The Pre-history of Climate Science
About
As a researcher, it is often instructive, and frequently humbling, to look back at the work of pioneers in a field. In this talk, we will revisit developments in our understanding of the climate of the Earth through the eyes of scientists in the 19th Century. Beginning with Herschel’s “discovery” in 1800 of "Invisible light" we follow the works of Fourier, Meloni, Tyndall, and Langley before considering the landmark paper by Arrhenius in 1896 “On the influence of carbonic acid in the air upon the temperature of the ground”. Finally we consider all this work in the context of our modern understanding of anthropogenic Climate Change
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Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
29 Jan 2027
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Organiser
- London Local Network
Further Information
If you wish to attend this lecture, please book a place on the IET website.
During the booking process you will have the opportunity to pre-book an optional lunch at Savoy Place. The cost for a two-course meal with wine is £27.60.
Reservations for lunch can be made up to 11pm on the Monday prior to the event (subject to availability).
Speakers
Dr. Michael de Podesta MBE, FInstP, CPhys
Director - Protons For Breakfast Blog
Michael de Podesta retired in 2020 after a career as a Physics lecturer (Birkbeck and UCL) and a measurement scientist (NPL). Since retiring he has devoted his time and life savings to reducing the amount of carbon dioxide he emits each year. He writes a blog at http://protonsforbreakfast.org describing these efforts, and occasionally writes summaries of foundational papers in climate science.
Reasons to attend
To discover how good humanity is at ignoring scientific facts.
Programme
This lecture is preceded by an optional lunch, which is served at 12.00, providing an opportunity to network with colleagues prior to the lecture.
14:00 – The lecture starts promptly at 14:00
14:50 approximately – Questions and discussion
15:30 - Networking time in the Faraday Centre.
On arrival, attendees should go to the Faraday Centre reception on the 2nd floor.