Challenges and opportunities in the Anthropocene

More than 200 delegates are expected to attend the event as part of the York Environmental Sustainability Institute's five year anniversary celebrations.

Keynote speakers include University of York academic and author Professor Chris Thomas; journalist and broadcaster Gaia Vince and French environmental campaigner Claire Nouvian.

Later in the day, science writer Tom Whipple from The Times will host an interview with Claire Nouvian and chair a panel discussion and Q&A.

YESI Director Professor Sue Hartley said: "I am really looking forward to YESI's five year anniversary event. We have some fantastic speakers and it provides a great opportunity to showcase some of our research success.

"The event will explore the challenges and opportunities of our current human-dominated era, the so-called Anthropocene.

"This is what YESI's research is all about - we support interdisciplinary projects that generate sustainable solutions to key global challenges, such as climate change and food security. It is definitely an event not to be missed!"

Event details

• Professor Chris Thomas FRS, an ecologist at the University of York and author of 'Inheritors of the Earth: How Nature is Thriving in an Age of Extinction'.
• Gaia Vince, a journalist, broadcaster, author of 'Adventures in the Anthropocene: A Journey to the Heart of the Planet We Made', and writer/presenter of a three-part Channel 4 television series.
• Claire Nouvian, a French environmental campaigner, former journalist, producer and director ofwildlife and scientific documentaries. She is also the founder of BLOOM, a non-profit organisation that works to preserve the marine environment and increase social benefits in the fishing sector, and winner of the 2018 Goldman Environmental Prize (Europe).

Agenda

Session 1: Welcome to the Anthropocene 

Gaia Vince and Professor Chris Thomas will set the scene discussing their research and its relevance to environmental change in the Anthropocene.

Session 2: YESI Showcase 

See demonstrations of YESI research on environmental sustainability over lunch, and then hear from YESI's expert researchers about current and future research projects.

Session 3: Meeting the Challenges: Discussion and Drinks Reception 

Claire Nouvian will discuss her work as an environmental campaigner and will join a panel debate on the consequences of the Anthropocene for humanity.

Finish the day at our drinks reception and enjoy an opportunity to talk to our speakers.