We are accelerating into a polycrisis – or even a metacrisis – of environmental and social upheaval. We have most of the technology we need to deal with the climate and other physical challenges, but after 30 failed climate COPs, clearly this isn’t the bottle neck. We need to look at this multi-dimensional problem in new ways.

Mike Berners-Lee, acclaimed author of There Is No Planet B, comes to The Conduit to launch his new book, A Climate of Truth. In conversation with Anna Turns, award-winning environmental journalist and author of Go Toxic Free, he invites us to step back, connect the dots, and dig deeper beneath the surface to find the most effective leverage points for meaningful change.

If you’re caught between frustration and despair at the lack of progress and asking what next?, his timely, radical, and inspiring ideas are for you.

Event Schedule

6:00pm: Pre-event socialising and networking

A cash bar will be available for refreshments.

6:15pm: Event begins

7:30pm: Event ends

Speakers:

Mike Berners-Lee is a leading thinker, researcher, best-selling author, and consultant tackling the greatest challenges of the 21st century. His debut book, How Bad are Bananas? The Carbon Footprint of Everything (2010), earned high praise, with Bill Bryson calling it “fascinating, useful, and enjoyable all at the same time.” His follow-up, There Is No Planet B (2021), was described by the Financial Times as “a handbook for how humanity can thrive.”

As the founder and director of Small World Consulting, Mike helps organizations of all sizes contribute positively to the world. He is also a professor at Lancaster University, where his research focuses on emissions modelling, sustainable food systems, and the impact of AI. Through his work, Mike continues to inspire individuals and institutions to embrace sustainable solutions for a thriving planet.

Anna Turns is an environmental journalist, author, and broadcaster specializing in sustainability, covering topics such as climate change, renewable energy, marine conservation, food, and farming. Anna is senior environment editor for The Conversation where she works closely with academics to transform the latest research into compelling and evidence-based stories. Her first book, Go Toxic Free: Easy and Sustainable Ways to Reduce Chemical Pollution, was published in 2022, and she has presented episodes of BBC Radio 4’s Costing the Earth series.

An Oxford University biology graduate, Anna combines her passion for storytelling with a deep curiosity about the natural world, writing for national publications including The Guardian, BBC and others.  With rigorous reporting skills, a strong visual sensibility, and a focus on progress, innovation, and solutions, her work embodies the principles of constructive journalism.