The next Cafe Scientifique will take place on Tuesday 16th June at 3.00pm
Professor Juliet Carlisle from the University of Exeter and University of Utah will give a talk entitled Building Climate Hope Across the Generations
“As a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Exeter, I’m here to learn from people across generations about their feelings, concerns, and perspectives on the climate crisis. This project explores climate-related emotions—such as anxiety, hope, and a sense of collective responsibility—as well as how different generations think about who is responsible for the current crisis. As part of the study, I’m examining whether millennials and younger people worry more about environmental change, who they blame, and how they cope with those feelings. I’m also exploring whether being part of a group or community can help people feel less overwhelmed by climate concerns and more motivated to engage politically.
Ultimately, the goal is to understand whether different generations hold distinct “climate identities,” and what that means for public engagement and meaningful climate action.”
Why This Research Matters
Across the UK and elsewhere, many people—especially younger generations—report feeling anxious about the climate crisis. Others experience hope, determination, or uncertainty about what to do. By hearing from people across generations, I hope to better understand the emotional landscape surrounding the climate crisis, how people assign responsibility, and what helps individuals and communities feel capable of contributing to solutions. The broader aim is to support more effective, inclusive, and constructive ways of engaging the public in climate action.
This event will be live at the Cellar Bar at Kennaway House, Coburg Road EX10 8NG. You will be expected to pay £2.50 entrance which includes a hot drink. Please come prepared.
Please feel free to circulate the details of this event to anyone else who might be interested and encourage others to come along.