IEES Newsletter – April 2024

How to Think About Climate Change: A Thought-Provoking Seminar Recap

Date: 26/04/2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: YIA 902 (9/F), Yasumoto International Academic Park, CUHK, Shatin, NT (Hybrid Format via Zoom)

As part of IEES 2024 seminar series, we hosted an insightful event titled “How to Think About Climate Change” on April 26, 2024. This seminar, presented in a hybrid format, brought together participants both in-person and online to explore the societal dimensions of climate change.

Unpacking the Societal Implications of Climate Change

The seminar challenged conventional perspectives on climate change by shifting the focus from purely scientific understanding to the often-overlooked societal context. Dr. Calum T.M. Nicholson, Director of the Climate Policy Institute, delivered a compelling lecture that highlighted a critical gap in the climate debate: while the science of climate change is well-established, our understanding of society—what it is, what it ought to be, and how it interacts with climate change—remains underdeveloped.

Dr. Nicholson argued that this “impoverished understanding of ourselves” hinders our ability to fully grasp the societal impacts of climate change. He emphasized the need for open debate and discussion to define what we mean by “society” in the context of the climate crisis, urging attendees to engage in this critical dialogue.

About the Speaker

We were privileged to have Dr. Calum T.M. Nicholson as our speaker for this seminar. Dr. Nicholson brings a wealth of expertise to the table:

• Academic Background: Dr. Nicholson studied Social Anthropology at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, earned an MPhil in Migration Studies from St Antony’s College, University of Oxford, and holds a PhD in Human Geography.
• Research Focus: His original research reexamines the societal implications of climate change, particularly its intersections with human migration and international development.
• Current Roles: As the Director of the Climate Policy Institute in Budapest, Dr. Nicholson also lectures at the University of Cambridge, where he teaches courses on international development, international migration, the politics of climate change, and the cultural significance of social media. He is currently working on a book based on his popular Cambridge course about the political, cultural, and historical impact of social media.

Dr. Nicholson’s diverse background as a former Parliamentary researcher and development consultant enriched the discussion, offering attendees a unique perspective on the complex interplay between climate change and societal dynamics.

About the IEES Seminar Series

As part of IEES’s 2024 promotional activities, our seminar series aims to engage the community with pressing environmental issues through expert-led discussions. These events provide a platform for researchers, students, and the public to explore innovative ideas, challenge assumptions, and collaborate on solutions for a sustainable future.

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