NI Science Festival is back and this year what we can do to help nature, our planet and avoid a dystopian future are front and centre.
The crew has a range of special events planned from Belfast to Derry on everything from bugs to birds, wildflowers, green tech, the secret sex life of flies and even what 2040 might hold if we deliver on climate and biodiversity over a jam-packed 11 days of discovery from Thursday, February 16 to Sunday 26.
You can learn about beetles over breakfast, take part in discussions about big oil and the obscene profits they make while polluting the world and even take part in climate tours around Northern Ireland.
Read more: Stormont dept facing High Court action over MOT tests on diesel cars
Experts and activists from across this wee place will also tackle topics like the 'race to net zero' and how NI can meet promises made at global biodiversity conference COP15, when world leaders vowed to protect 30% of the world's oceans and lands.
We asked NI Science Festival for a list of their stand-out environmental offerings. Here they are:
2040
Date: February 16, Portrush Playhouse Cinema
Time: 19:30–21:00
What it’s about: 2040 is a feature documentary made in 2019 (AUS cert U) by award-winning director Damon Gameau. The film is a visual letter to his four-year-old daughter that portrays Gameau’s journey as he explores what the future would look like by the year 2040 if we simply embraced the best solutions already available to us to improve our planet and shifted them into the mainstream.
Beetles for Breakfast
Date: February 17 Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast and 18 at The Playhouse, Derry
Time: 14:00–15:00
What it’s about: Shortlisted for the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2022, Madeleine Finlay’s colourful and compelling book explores all sorts of exciting inventions and ideas which could make our future more eco-friendly - and sooner than you might think.
In this talk, discover weird and wonderful ways to save the planet from doing your homework with a pen that writes with exhaust fume ink to drinking cockroach milk.
Grace’s Green Gadgets!
Date: Feb 17, Waterside Theatre Derry
Time: 11:00 and 14:30
What it’s about: The host of CBeebies show Grace’s Amazing Machines invites families to step into her electrical workshop for a very special show where she explores some really cool Green Gadgets. They’ve got wheels, are loads of fun, and are powered by a method that is better for the environment.
Switch
Date: Feb 18, The Playhouse Derry
Time: 18:00–20:00
What it’s about: Why not dig out some clothes you don’t wear, visit The Playhouse and swap them for some new-to-you pieces!
Buying a ticket (£7) for the event entitles attendees to take home five items of clothing and is an opportunity to kit out your wardrobe in a way that’s better for both your pocket and the planet.
Craftivism Talk and Collective Yarn-bombing
Date: Feb 18, The Playhouse Derry
Time: 12:30–13:30
What it’s about: Showcasing examples of her work, social and environmental activist Caroline Kuyper will share insights into how she uses crafts as a tool to raise awareness of important ecological causes.
The Race to Net Zero
Date: Feb 20, Ulster University, York Street Belfast
Time: 18:30–19:30
What it’s about: Learn more about how WAE Technologies, a company with its roots in motorsport, is working with Fortescue Metals Group, the world’s fourth largest iron ore producer, to deliver zero emissions in heavy mining by 2030, through the electrification of haul trucks, trains, and more.
Climate Tours
Date: Feb 20–24 (Various locations)
Time: Various times
What it’s about: Taking place in Belfast, Downpatrick, Armagh, Magherafelt and Banbridge, this series of panel discussions, programmed in partnership with the Northern Ireland Museums Council, will feature representatives from government, local authorities, universities and charities, hosted by awarding winning author and journalist Mark Lynas, author of Our Final Warning: Six Degrees of Climate Emergency.
The Secret (Sex) Lives of Flies
Date: Feb 24, Accidental Theatre Belfast
Time: 19:00–20:00
What it’s about: In this late night excursion into the secret (sex) lives of flies, entomologist, Dr Erica McAlister dispels many common misconceptions about these tiny insects. Erica will share all sorts of fascinating insights about what flies get up to, revealing them as the truly amazing, exotic and important little creatures they really are. Hear about insects with enormous sperm; honey bee mating rituals and more!
The Oil Machine – Screening & Discussion
Date: Feb 25, Ulster University, York Street Belfast
Time: 14:00–16:00
What it’s about: The Oil Machine brings together a wide range of voices from oil company executives, economists, young activists, workers, scientists, and pension fund managers.
It explores the complexities of transitioning away from oil and gas as a society and considers how quickly we can do it.
The screening will be followed by a discussion with climate activists Anna Kernahan and Dylan Hamilton, who features in the documentary.
Biodiverse City: How can Belfast live up to COP15 ambitions?
Date: Feb 25, Ulster University, York Street Belfast
Time : 12:00–12:30
What it’s about: In this event, local conservationist and broadcaster Conor McKinney discusses the internationally agreed targets from the COP15 conference on biodiversity and poses the question: how can Belfast live up to these ambitions?
