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Science and shopping...

19 March 2001

Floods and global warming are of international concern, but what matters most to you?

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) will be asking Swindon shoppers to tell them what issues are on their shopping lists this weekend. NERC scientists are keen to hear what people have to say - so this is your chance to tell them what you think about the environment. Look out for the stilt-walkers who will be handing out a short questionnaire and visit the colourful hands-on display to discover what Antarctic explorers wear, see what natural crystals look like or feel the fossilised backbone of a whale.

The display is part of NERC's activities for National Science Week and is at the Great Western Designer Outlet Shopping Centre, Swindon, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 March.

British people are already experiencing the effects of climate change - increasing temperatures, rising sea level, more frequent heatwaves, longer growing seasons and more intense winter rainfall. On Wednesday 21 March NERC and other research councils will be raising the question "Can Britain adapt to climate change?" An invited audience of people from key business sectors such as the water, insurance and construction industries will take part in a discussion forum at the DTI Conference Centre, London, on the challenges of climate change.

The event is hosted by the Department of Trade & Industry and is organised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and NERC, in collaboration with the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

Teachers and schoolchildren can have fun and learn at the same time with the 'Safeguarding our Coast' project. This successful internet-based project, which features science from the Land Ocean Interaction Study (LOIS), is currently being updated. LOIS is a £30m study of the intricate workings of the UK's air, river and sea systems. Pupils have the opportunity to debate the environment and socio-economic issues affecting our coasts, and to develop coastline management plans for the Holderness coast.

Further information

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411727 or 411561
Mob: 07917 086369 or 557215

Notes

1. NERC leads in providing independent research and training in the environmental sciences.

2. National Science Week aims to raise awareness of scientific processes and the value of science, engineering and technology to society and to the economy. It is co-ordinated by the British Association for the Advancement of Science.

Press release: 01/01

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