Can Democracy Save us from Climate Change? – Linnean Society Annual Lecture

Linnean Society Annual LectureIn partnership with the prestigious Linnean Society of London, the University’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH) hosted the Eighth Annual Irene Manton Lecture on Thursday 8 December 2022.

The lecture celebrates the significant contribution made by women to the Natural Sciences and is named after British botanist Irene Manton who, as well as being the first female president of the Linnean Society, studied for her PhD at the University of Manchester.

This year’s guest speaker was Rebecca Willis, Professor in Energy and Climate Governance at Lancaster University. Professor Willis’s insightful talk entitled Can Democracy Save us from Climate Change? highlighted the importance of democracy in steering humanity through the climate change crises ahead. Rebecca’s talk was critical of current climate governance but also demonstrated that if everyday people are given a platform to discuss climate change issues, they can generate solutions.

Speaking about the future Rebecca said: “I am not hopeful or optimistic. Like Irene Manton, I am determined. If there’s one thing that unites all of the women I have spoken about today, it is of course determination.”

The evening was an enormous success with a diverse audience watching in-person and online, including Linnean Society members, University colleagues, sixth form students from schools across the UK and members of the public.

During the events Q&A session, our panel was met with a plethora of questions, prompting valuable discussion. It was particularly rewarding to see students engaging with the discussion, as the lecture aims to inspire those interested in a career in the Natural Sciences.

One audience member was highly praising of the event: “One of the best climate change lectures I have ever listened to. I deeply congratulate Professor Willis for a super-articulated speech and insightful engagement.”

  •  Watch the event recording on YouTube