COP26 is coming to Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth

A panel of experts will be discussing Climate Change at an event hosted by Three Rivers District Council ahead of the international climate summit COP26 in Glasgow.

The question and answer session at Watersmeet Theatre on 18 October will see experts on areas including energy, travel, biodiversity and agriculture discuss the challenges we face and the possible solutions for tackling the climate emergency.

Panellists are set to include Tim Hill, Conservation Manager at Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, Gareth Dunsmore, Chief Marketing Officer for McLaren (pictured right), Dan Meredith, Energy Policy Expert for E.ON, Mark Kemp, Director of Environment and Infrastructure at Hertfordshire County Council, and Rose Lewis, Programme Manager from Woodoaks Farm/Soil Association.

The question and answer session will follow a free screening of the feature length documentary, 2040, which looks at what the year 2040 will look like for the next generation if we succeed in preventing the worst impacts of climate change, and what technology and innovation is already available to help us do this.

Cllr Phil Williams, the council’s Lead Member for Environmental Services, Climate Change and Sustainability, said: “In order for the district to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 as our strategy commits us to, we need as many people as possible to engage in the climate conversation. I encourage everyone to come along to this fantastic free event to learn more about climate change, what we can do about it, and put your questions and suggestions to the panel.”

The twenty-sixth UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) takes place in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November. The COP is perhaps best known for The Paris Agreement, which was signed at COP21 in 2015. COP26 aims to agree to: reduce global emissions to net-zero by 2050 and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees; adapt to protect communities and natural habitats, and commit to at least $100bn in climate finance every year.

Tickets for the questions and answer and film screening are free and can be booked by visiting:  www.watersmeet.co.uk

Timings for the event are as follows:

• Doors open, bar open and networking: 6.30pm
• Film begins: 7pm
• Refreshments including free tea and coffee, bar open: 8.30pm
• Questions to the panel: 8.50pm
• Close: 10pm

Find out more about the film and watch the trailer at the website  www.whatsyour2040.com