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u3a ‘Special Interest Day at Marlborough College on 20 September – report

Marlborough’s old and young address climate change

“Climate Change and Sustainable Futures” was the focus of a “Special Interest Day” organised by u3a in Kennet with support from Marlborough College.  The event took place in the run up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) which will take place in November in Glasgow.

Marlborough College students and around 100 u3a members from across the south west came together at the all-day which took place event on Monday of this week – 20 September at Marlborough College.  The Master of Marlborough College, Louise Moelwyn-Hughes, welcomed the delegates and a panel of qualified climatologists and scientists provided both a balanced, but also a positive, outlook on the dramatic global climate changes that we are experiencing directly or witnessing through the media.

The speakers at the event were:

  • Penny Tranter from the Meteorological Office, who discussed the realities of climate change.
  • Chris Warrick from the Culham Science Centre described the potential for low emission fusion power. 
  • Professor Peter Edwards from Oxford University talked about the Circular Carbon Economy.
  • Dr Katherine Steentjes from Cardiff University explored society’s perceptions of climate change and support for low carbon lifestyles.

David Hammond, Chairman of u3a in Kennet, welcomed the event which has been delayed twice by Covid restrictions: “This event, which was generously supported by Marlborough College, allowed our members to have an in-depth, non-political view of this important topic.  It also demonstrated a cross generational approach to learning and explored concerns and worries about climate change which are shared by young and old.”

The Special Interest Day was put together by a small team led by Dr Graham Barnes, formerly Chairman of u3a in Kennet and Jill Turner, current Vice Chairman, with much of the early planning carried out by Professor Randal Richards, a retired physical chemist and member of the u3a in Kennet Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Group who has subsequently left the area.

u3a in Kennet is part of a UK-wide movement of retired and semi-retired people who come together to develop their learning, social and creative interests in a friendly and informal way.

Click here to access Photos of the event (Photos courtesy of Marlborough College)

Click here for more information about u3a in Kennet.