A Climate of Truth: Facing the Future
Join Professor Mike Berners-Lee, Professor Alona Armstrong and Lizzi Collinge MP for a thought-provoking discussion about climate change, the obstacles to progress and the choices that will shape our future.
We know more about climate change than ever before. We understand its causes, can see its consequences and possess many of the technologies needed to tackle it. So why, despite decades of warnings, does meaningful action remain so difficult?
At Illuminate Festival 2027, leading climate expert, author and Lancaster University professor Mike Berners-Lee explores one of the most pressing questions of our time: how do we turn knowledge into action?
Drawing on his latest book, A Climate of Truth: Why We Need It and How to Get It, Mike challenges us to look beyond familiar arguments about carbon emissions and individual responsibility. He examines the deeper obstacles to progress, including misinformation, vested interests and the difficulties political and economic systems face in confronting uncomfortable truths.
His central argument is both challenging and hopeful: addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation requires a renewed commitment to honesty in public life.
Joining Mike are Professor Alona Armstrong, Director of Energy Lancaster and a researcher into renewable energy and its relationship with the natural environment, and Lizzi Collinge MP, Member of Parliament for Morecambe and Lunesdale.
Together, they will explore the science, solutions and political realities of responding to climate change.
How can the transition to cleaner energy benefit both people and nature? What should we expect from government, business and our communities? And how can individuals make a meaningful difference?
For those who have seen The People’s Emergency Briefing, this event offers an opportunity to take the conversation further, moving beyond the film’s findings to consider practical, collective action.
No prior knowledge is needed. Whether you’re deeply concerned about the climate crisis, uncertain about the solutions or simply curious about the future, this promises to be an accessible and illuminating discussion.
The challenge is enormous. The question is what we choose to do next.
Pop-up Café.