The 2019 Night of Ideas focuses on Europe and the environment, two issues central to our societies today. Launching the Night’s discussions are interviews with philosopher and public intellectual AC Grayling and Former French Minister for the Environment Nicolas Hulot.
The Institut français du Royaume-Uni has partnered with Imperial College London, the Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment, and others, to put together a thought-provoking programme exploring the latest ideas behind issues central to our times, engaging audiences in open debates on the possibilities for a brighter future where citizen voices and perspectives matter.
Visit the full website for complete programme information and to book free tickets: Night of Ideas (external link)
Night of Ideas 2019: The earth, here and now programme
17:00-18:05 Opening Event: Facing Our Time
Welcome Remarks by Jean-Pierre Jouyet, French Ambassador, plus opening speeches “What Do We Mean by European Culture and Values?” by AC Grayling “Imagining and Inhabiting the Earth” by Nicolas Hulot
20:35-21:15 Singing the Earth: Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith
The highly acclaimed folk duo released their new album Many A Thousand in September 2018 and writes songs that explicitly engage with environmental concerns. According to The Observer “making common cause between antique songs and present circumstances is one of the grails of modern folk, one this young duo pull off impressively.”
20:45-21:40 Inhabiting the Earth: Conversations to Inspire and Provoke
Activists, scientists and academics: how and why do they use their influence and expertise to raise awareness about environmental issues? How are we being invited to promote environmentally conscious behaviour and contribute towards changing our future?
- Nicolas Hulot, Former French Minister for the Environment; Founder and President, Fondation pour la Nature et l’Homme
- Joanna Haigh, Professor of Atmospheric Physics, Co-Director of the Grantham Institute, Imperial College London
- Tim Jackson, Professor of Sustainable Development, University of Surrey, Director of CUSP, Author of Prosperity Without Growth
Chaired by Pilita Clark, Associate Editor and Columnist, Financial Times
21:25-22:05 Imagining the Earth: Turning the Tide
The ocean is the heart of the planet: it’s a vital source of food and oxygen, as well as climate regulator. Keeping our oceans healthy is crucial in helping us to avoid the worst of climate change damage. Each year, however, millions of pounds of plastic are dumped into the ocean, which, once broken down can cause drastic changes to the environment. What solutions exist to prevent plastics from being thrown away? How can we turn the recycling crisis into an opportunity?
- Romain Pilliard, Sailor; Founder, Use It Again
- Romain Troublé, Executive Director, Tara Expeditions Foundation
Chaired by Patricia Jolly, Senior Reporter, Le Monde
21:25-22:05 Imagining the Earth: Arts and Sciences
Exhibition & Talk with Áinne Burke, through a series of paintings and installations, she will explore the human relationship to natural elements.
- Áinne Burke, Artist in residence at Grantham Institute, Imperial College London
21:50-22:20 Inhabiting the Earth: The New Generation
How can we imagine a better tomorrow for our planet, and for the generations who will inhabit it? Documentary makers and youth organizations discuss how we can raise awareness on environmental issues.
- Dominik Bari, Filmmaker (Oymyakon: The Story of the Coldest Inhabited Place)
- Cyril Dion, Environmental Activist; Filmmaker (Tomorrow, After Tomorrow)
- Naomi Pratt, Research Postgraduate on the Scence and Solutions for a Changing Planet DTP Phd programme at Imperial College London
Naomi Pratt studies ocean processes using fossil deep-sea corals. She has campaigned on environmental issues on and off campus for a number of years. Her main focus is resisting the financial support for and social legitimisation of the fossil fuel industry by public institutions, as a member of the student pressure group Divest Imperial.
22:20-23:00 Closing Event: Concert with Dame Civile
A fast-rising duo of brothers from Noisy-Le-Sec in the eastern suburbs of Paris, Killian and Marvin’s uncategorisable, defiantly modern soundscapes encompass influences from hip-hop to classic chanson, via the electronic experimentation and twisted pop hooks of James Blake and Björk.
The Earth in Virtual Reality
Throughout the night, get a chance to experiment Virtual Reality and discover how this new technology can help people to get a deeper appreciation of the environmental challenges.
Register for a free ticket to attend Night of Ideas (Eventbrite external site)