Attendees enjoy 47th TB Macaulay Lecture, presented by Professor Frank Biermann in spectacular Grand Gallery
Volvo Environment Prize winner and leading global sustainability governance scholar Professor Frank Biermann provided the audience with plenty to think about as he presented the 47th TB Macaulay lecture at the National Museum of Scotland’s Grand Gallery.
Hosted in partnership with the Macaulay Development Trust, the annual lecture series aims to connect scientific evidence with civic society on the big issues affecting our land and people – specifically reaching those who influence and make decisions on policy.
This year’s lecture was delivered by Professor Biermann, founder and first chair of the global Earth System Governance research alliance. Through the talk, he explored how accelerating climate impacts, geopolitical tensions, democratic backsliding and persistent inequalities have rendered traditional approaches to environmental governance insufficient.
He introduced the concept of planetary politics, which offers a fresh perspective for understanding and navigating the profound transformations shaping our future, and how plurilateral coalitions of like-minded countries can succeed in a world where global consensus is out of reach.
Professor Biermann also highlighted his extensive research on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and gave his perspective on solar geoengineering and the risks in may present.
Around 300 attendees joined us for the presentation and subsequent Q&A.
Following the lecture, audience members enjoyed refreshments and the opportunity to discuss the the featured topics further.
The full lecture, including the Q&A, is available to stream for free on our YouTube channel.