The #SmallNationsBigIdeas video series is launching on Monday, 22 November 2021 as part of COP Cymru and Wales Climate Week, showcasing research and innovation from across Wales which is actively tackling climate change.
“I knew there was great stuff going on in Welsh universities but working on this series has blown my mind.” says Professor Julia Jones, Bangor University Professor of Conservation Science and Director of the Low Carbon Energy and Environment Research Network Wales.
“One stand-out example is Charlie Dunnill’s video using an exercise bike to show how hydrogen-a key green fuel of the future- can store clean energy. If you want a quick introduction to the diversity and novelty of the science happening in Wales (and the personalities behind it), do watch some of the videos.”
The #SmallNationsBigIdeas video series, provides short videos showcasing how researchers in Wales are helping to tackle or adapt to global climate change issues. The series comprises close to 40 videos including:
- Professor Iain Donnison (Aberystwyth University) explains how a tropical grass which can grow on Welsh farms could produce electricity whilst removing carbon from the atmosphere.
- Dr Aisha Bello-Dambatta (Bangor University) shows how most of the energy we use to heat our water is flushed down the drain, and how that could be recovered.
- Dr Jenny Baker (Swansea University) explains how her work is helping to reduce the environmental impact of battery manufacture.
- Dr Muditha Abeysekera (Cardiff University) explains how his research is helping the public sector to make more of their existing assets and improve energy efficiency through energy management.
- Professor Dave Chadwick, Emily Cooledge, Dr Karina Marsden (Bangor University) explain innovative ways in which the impacts of livestock farming in Wales can be reduced.
Professor Mary Gagen, Swansea University, who through Swansea University Science for Schools Scheme has produced several Small Nations Big Ideas videos, commented:
“Wales has often been described as a nation which is small enough to get things done but big enough to make a difference and I think that is true of our environmental innovation and climate science research. From green steel development to regenerative farming, every sector in Wales is doing its bit to help us meet Net Zero, and then take emissions negative. These videos introduce some of the Welsh scientists and engineers who are working to achieve that.”
Wales is a small nation that punches above its weight in climate and energy research. A recent review found that almost one third of all research carried out in Wales addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This research is also particularly high quality, as measured by how often it is used by other scientists. Welsh research especially has strength in the Sustainable Development Goals relating to the environment such as climate action, conserving life on land, and life below water.
Some tasters of these videos have already been shown as part of the COP26 Regional Roadshows. The main exposure for the videos will be used to put science at the heart of Wales Climate Week which runs from 22nd to 26th November. You can register for the exciting series of events on the COP Cymru website.
