"The Energy and Climate Conundrum," talk by Prof. Chris Rhodes, on April 28th (2026), 7-9 pm, Zero Degrees Reading.

Oil runs the world, as we see from the present Hormuz Chokehold. I shall be speaking at Reading Cafe Scientifique in Zero Degrees bar, on Tuesday, April 28th, at 7pm: "The Energy and Climate Conundrum".

"The Energy and Climate Conundrum."


Short Blurb:

Crude oil is the backbone of modern industrial civilisation, underpinning most of its transportation, supply chains, manufacturing, and agriculture.

82% of the primary energy used by humans on Earth is from fossil fuels, but our increasing use of all oil, gas and coal, is driving a relentlessly changing climate.

While our energy sources must be decarbonised, this alone will not solve the fundamental problem, which is that the human species is in ecological overshoot.

A systemic solution is required, to bring about a consolidated amelioration of climate change, biodiversity loss, and relentless degradation of the ecosphere.

But, how might we bring about the changes necessary to build a thriving, sustainable, future civilisation?"

Speaker Bio:

Professor Chris Rhodes is Director of the independent consultancy, Fresh-lands Environmental Actions, and a Board member of Scientists Warning Europe. He became a full professor in physical chemistry in his early 30s, and was awarded a Higher Doctorate (DSc) by the University of Sussex. He is a scientific advisor to the European Commission and the governments of many nations. He has published more than 260 peer reviewed academic papers, which have received around 25,000 citations, along with an extensive online collection of essays and journalism.

Chris is ranked by Stanford University as being in the top 0.04% of World Scientists. He is Chair of Transition Town Reading, and is also author of the black comedy novel ‘University Shambles’, and an award-winning children’s picture book, ‘Hippy the Happy Hippopotamus’.