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THE 2022 FESTIVAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
22 October - 13 November
FoSS and ESRC logos

Are we doing enough to combat the climate crisis?

Hand holding a placard reading 'There is no Planet B' at a climate protest

What’s on offer?

Discussion event exploring the value of protest in climate activism 

What’s it about?

Most people believe that climate change poses a significant threat to our planet, and that something needs to be done about it. But what should we do? Does this issue sit with individuals, the government, or society as a whole? Climate activism, by protest groups such as Extinction Rebellion, has hit the headlines in recent years. But is protest the best way to achieve change? If not, then what else can and should we be doing? And if it is, then why aren’t more of us taking to the streets?

Join a panel of expert speakers to explore the value of protest and hear first-hand experiences from the front line of civil disobedience. They’ll bring insights from psychological research, social justice campaigning, policy and activism, and share their own experiences of trying to make a difference. With plenty of time for audience questions and discussion, this promises to be a thought-provoking and vital event tackling one of (if not the) most important issues of our times.

Who’s leading the event?

Cleo Lake: Cleo is a community engagement professional, researcher, and the former Lord Mayor of Bristol (2018-2019). During her term as a Green Party Councillor (2016-2021) she was instrumental in getting a Reparations and Atonement motion passed at Bristol City Council for Bristol’s role in the Transatlantic Traffic in enslaved Afrikans.

Colin Davis: Colin is professor of psychology at the University of Bristol and researches how people respond to the threat of climate change. He is also a climate activist and has been arrested on several occasions while participating in climate protests.

Nick Anim: Nick is a PhD researcher at the Development Planning Unit of University College London. His research interests centre on collective action, with a particular focus on contemporary movements and issues of building solidarity across differences. He has been an activist with various social justice and environmental movements for many years.

Oscar Berglund: Oscar is lecturer in International Public and Social Policy at the University of Bristol. He researches climate activism and protest and teaches about the climate emergency.

Open to

Open to all 

Of particular interest to

Of particular interest to anyone with an interest in climate change, the ethics of protest, and government policy