Climate change, its impact on Sidmouth and the Southwest, and some of the possible responses will be explored in a series of talks at this year’s Sidmouth Science Festival 9-18 October.
Four talks will look at different aspects of our changing climate from the historical climate of Sidmouth and possible future changes to the challenges facing the town’s coastline and the potential of floating offshore wind as a source of renewable energy.
The programme begins on Friday 9 October with Professor Brian Golding’s talk, Sidmouth’s Changing Climate: Past, Present and Future. Using weather records dating back to the early 19th century, Professor Golding will explore how Sidmouth’s climate has changed, what further changes might be expected and how the town may need to adapt. The talk is in partnership with the Devonshire Association.
On Saturday 10 October in the Geology Hub, Dr Malcolm Hart will consider Climate Change: Future Impacts and Problems. His talk will look at issues including heavier rainfall, marine heatwaves and rising sea levels, with examples from across the Southwest. These include flooding at Ottery St Mary, landslide risks along the Jurassic Coast and the implications of sea-level rise for places such as Pennington Point in Sidmouth.
The programme then turns to one possible response to climate change on Tuesday 13 October when Kerry Hayes of Simply Blue Group presents Offshore Wind: The Celtic Sea Powerhouse. The talk is supported by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
The Crown Estate has identified three areas in the Celtic Sea for floating offshore wind development, with the potential for up to 4.5GW of new renewable energy capacity. The talk will explore the technology behind floating wind, the scale of the proposed developments and what this emerging industry could mean for the Southwest and South Wales.
Kerry Hayes will also discuss the Erebus floating wind demonstration project, including the scale of the turbines and floating structures involved. The talk will consider the engineering behind this new generation of offshore wind and the opportunities it could create for the region’s engineering, manufacturing and marine industries.
Finally, on Thursday 15 October, Coastal Flooding and Erosion: Sidmouth and East Beach Coastal Defence Scheme will bring the focus back to Sidmouth. The talk by Steve Donnelly and Steve Kershaw of South West Flood and Coastal will examine the science behind coastal erosion and flooding and how engineers and environmental specialists are working on measures to protect the town and its coastline. The talk is in partnership with the Sid Vale Association.
Together, the talks provide a local perspective on a global issue — looking at how Sidmouth’s climate is changing, the challenges facing its coastline, and some of the scientific and engineering responses being considered for the future.
The Sidmouth Science Festival takes place from 9 – 18 October at venues across the town. Full details of all festival talks and events can be found on the website www.sidmouthsciencefestival.org and in the printed programme available from Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, library and other local outlets.