The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (The RSA) and Bridgwater College, have announced that they are to welcome Lord Krebs to The McMillan Theatre on Wednesday 6 April 2016, 7pm.

The event, entitled Somerset: Adapting to Climate Change, will play host to the esteemed Lord Krebs and also Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the RSA, who together will explore the climate change outlook over the next fifty years, action being taken to adapt to this and the impact on Somerset itself.

Lord Krebs' career has been both productive and influential. His speciality is ornithology (the study of birds) and his publications include more than 130 refereed papers, five books, and 130 book chapters, reviews, or popular pieces. They have introduced new methods to the science of ornithology, including the use of optimality models to predict foraging behaviour. Professor Lord Krebs chairs the Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Committee on Climate Change, set up in 2009 to advise the Government about the steps they should be taking to prepare for the impact of climate change. Their first report was published in November 2015 and will form the basis of this discussion.

Matthew Taylor has been the Chief Executive of the RSA since 2006 and is a frequent broadcaster (BBC Radio 4’s Moral Maze) and media commentator on policy and political issues. Previously he worked for the Labour Party becoming a Campaign Co-ordinator and Director of Policy during the 1997 general election. After performing various roles in the Labour Party, Matthew became the Director of the think tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research.

Keith Read, Chair of the RSA Taunton Network and an RSA Trustee said,

“We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming such high profile and eminent guests to Bridgwater. The subject of climate change is one that I know strikes a chord with many of us in Somerset and so I know that Lord Krebs' views on the topic will be of interest to many. The McMillan Theatre provides the perfect venue for this event and so the RSA are thrilled to join with Bridgwater College for what is guaranteed to be a highlight in the RSA's calendar.”

Tickets for the evening are free of charge and are expected to be booked up early for what is guaranteed to be a fascinating evening, delivered by those at the forefront of this topic.

For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.mcmillantheatre.com, or contact the Box Office in person between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday, or by phone on 01278 556677.