A history of climate change: why planet Earth is habitable
Dr Philip Pogge Von Strandmann, London Geochemistry and Isotope Centre, University College London

Earth has been inhabited by life for almost 90% of its 4.5 billion year existence. The picture of a barren, volcano- and lava-rich landscape was therefore only true for a very short time. Given that life requires fairly narrow climatic and chemical conditions, this means that the Earth’s climate has been remarkably stable for most of its life. This cannot simply be a coincidence, and therefore means that there must be active climate-stabilising mechanisms. This talk will examine these mechanisms, both in the past and what they mean for the future of our existence.

Talks take place on Mondays at 7pm in the AV Room in the Mills Centre. Refreshments, including wine, are available from 6.30 pm and afterwards.