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Eight million tonnes of plastic end up in our oceans every year. How did we get here, and what can we do about it? All sorts of solutions, large and small, are being put forward; New Scientist Live is hosting a panel debate to find out which ones will work and what’s at risk if we don’t get it right.
Sitting on the war on plastics panel (12.00-13.00, 20 September) are Lucy Siegle, writer and TV presenter; Jo Ruxton, co-founder of Plastic Oceans Foundation UK; Emily Wilson, editor of New Scientist and Richard Thompson, head of the International Marine Litter Research Unit, University of Plymouth.
The debate will take place as part of New Scientist Live (20-23 September 2018, ExCeL London), the world’s most exciting festival of ideas and discovery. Headline speakers include Tim Peake, Henry Marsh, Sean Carroll, Jim Al Khalili and Hannah Fry, aiming to educate, inspire and excite the general public with the latest innovations.
Visitors will also be able to see how Plastic Oceanic creates jewellery and other products from unrecyclable ocean plastics.
Fancy being a forensic scientist for the day? You’ll be able to examine how different techniques are being used to help catch poachers to tackle wildlife crime, with the aid of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, scientists from King’s College London and the Metropolitan Police.
Hosted at ExCeL London and run by the world’s favourite science weekly, New Scientist, the event promises new discoveries for anyone and everyone curious about science.
New Scientist Live will feature more than 120 pioneering and inspirational speakers and exhibitors, enquiring minds of all ages will hear from some of the most distinguished philosophers, authors and entrepreneurs from around the world.
You’ll be taken on a journey of discovery by world-acclaimed speakers on the main stage across the four-day event. Ever wondered how algorithms affect everyday life? Mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry will be on hand to share her expertise, while neurosurgeon Henry Marsh will reveal confessions of life as a brain surgeon.
More topics include how the history of gravity and the forces of nature impact the universe (Jim Al Khalili); the effects of brain development in teenagers and what this means (Sarah-Jayne Blakemore); the many worlds of quantum mechanics (Sean Carroll) and Neanderthals and how human genomes affects our generation (David Reich).
Guests visiting New Scientist Live will also be able to explore five immersive zones: the Cosmos, Earth, Humans, Technology and Engineering areas will touch on a variety of topics that shape our culture, communities and ultimately our lives.
To bring these zones to life, there will be immersive experiences including ‘hug a bug’, courtesy of the Royal Entomological Society Stand, where you can get hands on with some incredible invertebrates.
Visitors will also be able to go on the MDX Loco Motion, a VR rollercoaster ride that promises a truly gut-wrenching experience.
If you want to discover more about our ancestors, you can join archaeologist James Dilley and his team from Ancient Craft in the Prehistory zone to learn more about our history and see prehistoric artefacts.
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