House of Lords sustainability debate

^{House of Lords sustainability debate © House of Lords 2019 / Photography by Roger Harris}

On 29 November last year, 40 Fellows and members of the Society joined over 100 other members of the public in the House of Lords Chamber, for an intergenerational debate on the question: ‘How can we reach a sustainable future?’.

Participants came from across the country, representing a huge variety of disciplines, lifestyles and demographics. Alongside Society members, representatives from the Royal Meteorological Society, the English Speaking Union, and students from 10 secondary schools also took part. Participants from each of these groups gave passionate and informed speeches, exchanging advice and expert knowledge on how to deal with climate change.   

The debate was split into three questions about climate change and modern society, focusing particularly on where the responsibility should lie for producing necessary changes on a societal scale. Participants voted resoundingly to tax big polluters, to rapidly reduce emissions in all private and public sectors, and to advocate sustainability for emerging economies across the world. 

^{House of Lords sustainability debate © House of Lords 2019 / Photography by Roger Harris}

Debaters proposed sensible and scientifically informed solutions to complex questions. For individuals, they recommended plant-based diets, increased use of public transport, and changing consumerist habits – buying less and buying locally where possible. For governments, they recommended sophisticated varieties of carbon taxing, promoting the use of electric vehicles, and moves towards renewable energy.

The event provided a hopeful example of collaboration across generations, demographics and professions. Difficult questions were dealt with sensitively but urgently – many speeches focused on the need for immediate and concerted action. Overall, there was a heartening sense of agreement on the paths we might take to a sustainable future.   

The debate can be watched in full here, while the House of Lords official page for the event can be found here.