|
BBC’s HEATHER REID TALKS ‘CLIMATE CHANGE’
Sunday 6 August, 2006
More Festival of Politics news
Gàidhlig
BBC Scotland’s Heather “the weather” Reid will chair an international discussion and debate on climate change as part of the Festival of Politics at the Scottish Parliament.
Heather, an eminent scientist and weather forecaster, will be in the hot seat at the first ever Café Politique, a two hour forum titled “Whose Climate is it Anyway?” highlighting all the issues of worldwide climate changes.
The free event takes place on Saturday 26 August at 5.00p.m. at the Scottish Parliament with tickets available from the Parliament on a first come first served basis on the day.
Staged in association with the British Council, the event will include speakers from Lithuania and Malawi who will highlight what climate change means for the citizens of their countries. After the presentation, attendees will split into two groups to thrash out their views on the current and future issues on climate.
Heather Reid said:
“Climate Change is one of the biggest challenges facing us in the 21 st century.
“As a weather forecaster I am very aware of the changes we have experienced in the Scottish climate over the past 12 years.
“It is essential to raise awareness of these changes and of the small steps each of us can take to reduce the impact of global warming.”
Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, George Reid, said:
“The Café Politique is a welcome addition to the Festival of Politics - bringing together people from different countries and walks of life to discuss an issue which impacts upon all of us.
“Thousands attended our first award-winning Festival last year – thanks to a series of thought-provoking and stimulating events.
“This year with a programme that includes leading historians, politicians and academics – there’s a real breadth of knowledge and expertise that should ensure our events are both informative and entertaining.”
The award winning Festival of Politics (23-26 August) has something for visitors of all ages – from story telling workshops to cutting edge political debates. It also features talks from famous faces including newsreader George Alagiah, TV historian Dan Snow and comedian and writer Armando Iannucci.
Background information
Heather Reid has been a weather forecaster with BBC Scotland since 1994 and regularly contributes to science festivals, university events and seminars across the UK.
She also works with Glasgow Science Centre, developing weather shows and workshops for schools and the public.
Heather has a BSc(Hons) in Physics from Edinburgh University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and the Royal Meteorological Society. She also has an honorary lectureship in the Physics and Astronomy Dept at Glasgow University. Heather was awarded the prestigious Kelvin Medal from the Institute of Physics in 2004 and holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Paisley.
Café Politique is based on the Café Scientifique model which initiates conversations and discussions on the connections between science, technology and society. The inclusive discussions are designed to engage a wider audience with science and the impact it has on our lives.
Holyrood's Festival of Politics was introduced last year to Edinburgh's festival season and received an Editors' Top Ten Award from Threeweeks – the Edinburgh festivals' premier review publication.
Full programme details for the Festival of Politics are available at most major Edinburgh Festival Venues, from the Scottish Parliament or from our website (www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk). The Festival takes places 23-26 August and includes, for the first time in Scotland, the World Press Photo Exhibition.
While most events are free, a small number of events will charge £5.00 (£3.00 concession) with those wishing to attend advised to book in advance.
Tickets can be obtained :
- Online from: www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk. Online booking is available 24 hours up to 4pm on the day before the event.
- By telephone: 0131 473 2000 (calls via RNID Typetalk: 018001 0131 473 2000). Fax: 0131 473 2003.
- By post: to the Festival of Politics, Hub Tickets, The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE.
- In person at the Scottish Parliament or at the Hub.
Visitors to the Festival will be able to use the free crèche. The crèche opened in 2004 for members of the public visiting Parliament and provides up to four hours free child care for 0-5 year olds. For information call: 0131 348 6192.
To ensure Festival of Politics events are as accessible as possible, please specify requirements when booking tickets. While British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation is provided automatically at some events, it can be requested for any of the others. Assistance dogs are welcome and all venues are accessible for wheelchair users.
For further information contact: [email protected]
Telephone: 0131 348 6852.
For public information/general enquiries:
Telephone 0131 348 500 or 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
E-mail: [email protected]
More Festival of Politics news
The Festival of Politics is an initiative of the Scottish Parliament.
The Festival of Politics 2006 Partners are:
Standard Life; BAA Scotland; and ScottishPower.
