Professor Kevin Anderson From iniquity to integrity … there’s no hiding from carbon budgets

Talk Abstract: As climate change increasingly exacerbates extreme weather events around the globe, so government leaders are increasingly using the language of a “climate emergency”. But look beyond the fine words, and it is quickly evident that behind the relatively recent framing of ‘net zero’, many governments, companies and institutions are planning for little more than incremental adjustments to business-as-usual. But “nature will not be fooled” by empty rhetoric, subterfuge and unsubstantiated optimism – and nor should we. The challenges we face in delivering on our Paris climate commitments beg fundamental questions of almost every facet of modern society. This presentation will seek to lay bare the sheer scale, scope and urgency of emission cuts now required to meet our Paris climate commitments. It will conclude by offering an outline of the key characteristics delivering on such commitments needs to entail. Please note, for those with a more sensitive disposition, this is very much a “red pill” presentation. Short Bio: Kevin is professor of Energy and Climate Change at the University of Manchester and visiting professor at the Universities of Uppsala (Sweden) and Bergen (Norway). Formerly he held the position of Zennström professor (in Uppsala) and was director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research (UK). Kevin engages widely with governments, industry and civil society, and remains research active with publications in Climate policy, Nature and Science. He has a decade’s industrial experience in the petrochemical industry, is a chartered engineer and fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Twitter: @KevinClimate