Eden hosts major climate debate ahead of Copenhagen summit

December 4, 2009

The Eden Project played its part in the debate surrounding the forthcoming Copenhagen climate conference yesterday (Thursday December 3) by hosting a landmark discussion between some of the world's top environmental thinkers for the BBC World Service's One Planet programme.

The panel in the Mediterranean Biome featured Tim Smit, chief executive of Eden, Dr Vicky Pope, head of climate change advice at the Met Office, Professor Peter Sammonds of University College London, John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK and the debate was chaired by One Planet presenter Mike Williams.

Chinese and American contributions came from Changhua Wu, the Greater China director of the Climate Group, and Nigel Purvis, founder and president of Climate Advisers, respectively, and Yvo de Boer, the convener of the Copenhagen conference was interviewed, admitting that he is losing sleep over the organisation of the event. Hammer Simwinga, a Zambian agronomist, also contributed, giving the discussion an African point of view.

A diverse range of subjects were covered, including the possibility of Copenhagen delegates brokering a meaningful deal, rising populations and their impact on the resources and the climate and the consequences of the recent leaked e-mail scandal.

An enthusiastic and knowledgeable audience added to the debate, with a notable contribution coming from a student from Poltair School who said he wanted to save the rainforests for the sake of his children's generation, and from members of the Eden team.

The programme is due to be broadcast on Saturday December 5, the eve of the Copenhagen summit, between 6pm and 7pm on the BBC world Service. To listen, visit www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice and if you miss the show you'll be able to download a podcast afterwards.