- Attenborough Studio
- Thursday 1 May, 16.00–17.15
- Free, booking required
It’s Not All Doom and Gloom
Join a discussion with scientists and climate advocates as we uncover success stories and evidence of real progress for people and the planet.
Most climate and nature stories focus on crisis, making it easy to feel hopeless.
January 2025 was the hottest on record. The previous year, Spain faced devastating floods and Indonesia suffered deadly landslides. Key global summits failed to deliver needed action. Yet, across the world, positive change is happening, from local conservation efforts to large-scale initiatives driving progress for climate and biodiversity.
In this discussion, scientists and advocates will share inspiring stories of determination, innovation and real impact that often go unnoticed. Not every success makes headlines, but many communities, researchers and organisations are paving the way for a better future.
Join the conversation, ask your questions and leave with a renewed sense of optimism and hope.
Speaker bios
Elizabeth Bagshaw
Elizabeth is an Associate Professor in the School of Geographical Sciences at the University of Bristol. She did her PhD in Antarctic Biogeochemistry at the University of Bristol, followed by postdoctoral training in Engineering, working on the development of sensors for measuring meltwaters in Greenland. Her first faculty position was at Cardiff University, and she returned to the University of Bristol in 2023. Elizabeth is interested in new ways of measuring interactions between ecosystems and freshwaters, predominantly in the Arctic but also in the UK.
Dr Piotr Cuber
Piotr joined London’s Natural History Museum in 2020, focusing on research and development as a Senior Molecular Biologist. His work is focused on studies of DNA to discover secrets that broaden our knowledge about how the natural world works on a molecular level. This can be applied in projects such as studies of the evolution of organisms, building the tree of life or detecting human pathogens from the air. One of his projects is focused on studying the influence of the European bison on soil biodiversity. Biology is not only Piotr’s profession but his first and foremost passion in life from his early years.
Larissa Pinto Moraes
A black woman from the Brazilian Amazon region, Larissa’s one of the heads of Engajamundo, a youth-led organisation working with social and environmental issues. In her climate justice activism, she’s interested in discussions about the impacts that the climate crisis has on marginalised groups. She’s also interested in the power of resilience these communities have on withstanding and protecting the environment.
Dr Nadia Santodomingo
Nadia is a marine biologist and palaeontologist from Colombia with more than 20 years of experience studying the biodiversity, ecology and evolution of coral reefs. She’s currently the Curator of Fossil Cnidaria at London’s Natural History Museum. By integrating information from ancient and modern coral reefs, she aims to understand how they’ll respond to climate change and which habitats should be prioritised for conservation.
James Sutton
James is a co-director of Possible – a charity that inspires people in the UK to take the action the climate crisis demands. He helps to run the charity and gives direction and guidance to its campaigners and communications team. A world driven by people-centred solutions to the climate emergency really excites him. Aside from his work at Possible, James is an advisor to Force of Nature – a social enterprise that mobilises mindsets for climate action. He’s also a member of the IUCN’s Commission on Education and Communication and part of the Zero Hour team campaigning for the landmark Climate and Nature Bill legislation.
Visiting information
- All ages are welcome, but content is recommended for ages 16+.
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
- Arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the start of the event.
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