Oxford is internationally renowned for the calibre of its research scientists in the fields of environmental science and technology and the Ark Project is providing a unique opportunity for 600 Oxfordshire Primary school children to hear these experts in one of the city's most historic buildings. The Conference launches the Ark Project and gives an insight into exciting and inspirational developments in science and visions of a positive future in a low carbon world.

The Speakers

Dr Malcolm McCulloch started the Electrical Power Group and he is currently researching transport, domestic energy and renewable generation. Malcolm will be talking to children about future transport: 'What will you be driving?'

Helen Hanlon is currently completing a DPhil in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, at the University of Oxford. Her current research is concerned with extreme weather events connected to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Helen will be talking to children about the connection between emissions and changes in the weather.

Chris Jarvis, Education Officer at the University of Oxford Museum of Natural History and
Emma Williams, Education Officer at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden are introducing children to the natural world. They will be talking on 'Biodiversity and Me: how small decisions made by small people on a small scale can have a huge effect on a worldwide scale.'

Dr Shaun Savage, Oxford Brookes University School of Technology, is an Early Career Fellow in Sustainable Engineering and is currently working on the trials of the electric mini. Shaun will be talking about future transport - why are electric cars better for the environment.

Jo Hamilton is the Coordinator of Climate Xchange, a climate change engagement project in Oxfordshire, led by University of Oxford Environmental Change Institute. Jo will be talking about the positive opportunities that could arise from engagement and action with climate change.

Dr Brenda Boardman is an Emeritus Fellow at the Environmental Chance Institute. Brenda was the former head of the Lower Carbon Futures team, a member of the DTI's Energy Advisory Panel and was awarded an MBE for her work on energy issues. Brenda will be talking to the children about the houses of the future - including amazing lighting - and changes we can all make to our homes to make a big difference.

Dr Myles Allen is the head of Climate Dynamics in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics at the University of Oxford.  He will be demonstrating the links between climate and weather and why a White Christmas doesn't mean climate change has been called off !