Annual Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture on 28 April

21 Apr 2009

Invitation from The University of Manchester Alumni Association

Staff members are invited to attend this year's Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture which will be given by one of the world's leading thinkers and policy-influencers on energy, sustainable development and climate change - Professor Mohan Munasinghe. The lecture is entitled 'Solving the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Problems Together' and takes place on Tuesday 28 April 2009.

Two major challenges of this century will be discussed in the lecture – sustainable development and climate change. The key question is how best to combat global warming without diverting resources from other pressing development issues, such as poverty, resource scarcities (especially energy, water and land), food security, disease, environmental harm and conflict. Professor Munasinghe suggests the solution lies in making development more sustainable, by convincing governments to integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation policies into their sustainable development strategies. Key findings of the IPCC will also be discussed, especially the adverse impacts of climate change on already vulnerable groups.

The event will be held at University Place, Oxford Road, with registration from 5pm. Tea and coffee will be available. The lecture will be chaired by Professor Alan Gilbert, President and Vice-Chancellor and will commence at 5.45pm and will close at 7pm following questions.

Following the lecture, there will be a special drinks reception, which will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss the issues raised in the lecture. The reception will close at approximately 7.45pm.

If you would like to attend, please contact:

• Jean Jones, Assistant Alumni Officer, on jean.jones@manchester.ac.uk or 52478