ClimateKeys in Cardiff
6 November 2017
Research shows that most people are worried about climate change, and yet the social silence on the subject is deafening: we hardly ever talk about it, and when we do the conversation can raise difficult questions.
As UN climate talks get underway in Germany, Cardiff will be hosting a climate discussion with a difference, in the form of a concert at Eglwys Dewi Sant.
Part of ClimateKeys – a global initiative involving over thirty concerts in nine countries – the evening of music, talks and discussion will encourage people to think and talk about climate change in new ways that lead to positive and hopeful responses. The concert takes place within Cardiff University’s Festival of Social Science 2017.
ClimateKeys was founded by London-based composer and pianist Lola Perrin, and features concert pianists and climate change experts collaborating in performances that include a conversation with the audience about positive response to climate change.
To date, over a hundred concert musicians and guest speakers in twenty countries have joined ClimateKeys. More concerts are being planned during 2018. Lola Perrin explained why, as a professional musician, she had initiated the project and brought other musicians on board: "Talking about climate change needs to move into the centre of all we do, so we are scores of concert pianists putting the conversation into the heart of our concerts."
For the Cardiff event, Lola Perrin is being joined by Dr Stuart Capstick from Cardiff University and Dr Adam Corner from the charity Climate Outreach. Both Stuart and Adam have a background in Psychology and the ways in which people understand and respond to climate change.
Dr Capstick said: "Climate change can seem overwhelming, and something that is hugely complex and removed from our everyday lives. But we still have many opportunities to protect the things that matter to us, and to do things differently..."
"I hope we can prompt discussion on how we can take the initiative on climate change, and feel encouraged and inspired to act."
Dr Corner added: "It is hugely important that we try to break the conversational silence on climate change, and face the reality of a changing climate like we would any other issue in society. If we can talk about what climate change means for the things we love and the future we want, we will stand a better chance of building a low-carbon world."
The event is being held at Eglwys Dewi Sant (St David’s Church, St Andrew’s Crescent, near to the National Museum), from 8pm to 9:30pm on Friday 10 November.
All are welcome to attend the concert and talks, and are free to join in discussion of these issues. For more information and to book a free ticket, see the ClimateKeys website.
