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COLLEGE NEWS I Jesus College Annual Report 2022
Science and Human Dimension Project Jonathan Cornwell, Executive Director In 2021-22, the project has focused on public understanding of climate change in the Mediterranean. A constituency of climate scientists, backed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), sees the virtually enclosed Mediterranean, and its bordering countries, as a microcosm of the planet in peril. The consequences of climate change are destined to hit the Mediterranean in advance of other populated regions. Comprising populations of 500 million in its neighbouring countries and 300 million visitors every year, the Mediterranean is an environment of outstanding beauty, ecological richness, and cultural scope. Historically, there are long and deep chronicles of environmental impacts, showing how communities and societies have reacted – with resilience and at times with despair and conflict. The world has much to learn from the Mediterranean as the climate crises unfold. We convened a workshop on 26 May 2022, to discuss the shape of a future two-to-three-day conference. John Cornwell emphasised the Science and Human Dimension Project (SHDP founded 1990 at Jesus College) as a public programme to enhance scientific understanding, and the importance of involving journalists in proceedings to achieve outreach. He also discussed the crucial importance of accessibility of material and presentations.
The Venice lagoon and salt marsh at Torcello, under threat from flooding and sea level rises
