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A visit to New Zealand by two environmental policy experts for Masterclass! Science was overwhelmingly successful.
Dr Larry Parker from the US and Dr Kevin Anderson from the UK ran a series of seminars and lectures around the country entitled 'Climate and Energy: how do we cool the greenhouse?' Dr Parker is a specialist in Energy and Environment Policy with the Congressional Research Fellowship Service (CRS) of the Library of Congress. Dr Anderson is responsible for the development and progress of research in aviation, transport and environment at Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of Manchester. They addressed more than 750 people around the country, challenging them to think about how climate change will affect us, why it's important that we care and what we can do to slow down the greenhouse effect. Dr Parker said the topic of the first science Masterclass! series was a timely and challenging one. "Energy policy is the keystone to any effective climate change policy. It is also a critical component of industrial policy and dramatically increases the complexity in addressing climate change. The topic is technology, economics and ecology all wrapped into one." The pair visited Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin carrying out 14 interviews, nine seminars, three public lectures and a video-conference for secondary school students. Interest was so great that they attended an additional 14 meetings. Masterclass! is a joint initiative between the British Council New Zealand, Montana Wines and Fulbright New Zealand. It brings British and American experts to New Zealand to undertake a nationwide tour sharing their knowledge and stimulating debate. Until now, Masterclass! has focused on the arts disciplines but this year, The Royal Society of New Zealand joined the partnership to extend the program into the sciences. "Masterclass! Arts has been running for about two years and has been going so well that we thought we would try extending the concept into science," said the British Council New Zealand's Science and Technology Manager Felicity Connell. "What was really great was how these speakers complemented each other. It was interesting to get two different overseas perspectives, which is one of the main strengths of Masterclass! "The speakers were inspiring. They've both made energy saving choices in their own lives and so they were able to draw on personal examples. One of the strong messages they both put across is that individuals can make small changes in their lives to make a positive difference. "Leaders from the academic, energy and government and private sectors attended the seminars. It gave them a change to meet with their colleagues and exchange views with people who are world leaders in their field," said Felicity Connell. Chief Executive of The Royal Society Steve Thompson said Masterclass! Science is very much about promoting an awareness of science. "One of our priorities is to stimulate debate about science between the wider community and scientists. Masterclass! Science is the perfect way to do that." The next Masterclass! Science is scheduled to take place in March next year. For further information on this programme, visit www.masterclass.org.nz |
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