The University of Bath welcomed Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, Paul Dickinson and the Outrage + Optimism - The Climate Podcast to a packed Bath Abbey on Wednesday 14 October for 'Powering the next generation to lead climate action' — the final event in our 60th anniversary Adelard Series.
Bringing together students, young people from local schools and colleges, members of the local community, researchers, innovators and leaders from across policy, industry and civil society, the evening focused on how the next generation can be empowered to help shape a more sustainable future.
From outrage to optimism
Reflecting on the night Christiana Figueres, one of the world's most influential climate leaders, former UN climate chief and the architect behind the groundbreaking 2015 Paris Agreement, said:
“What a joy to bring generations together in the extraordinary setting of Bath Abbey. Responding to climate change asks us to listen deeply to one another, combine our different experiences and turn our shared concern into shared courage.
"As the University of Bath celebrates 60 years, its greatest contribution lies ahead: nurturing the knowledge, imagination and determination to build a thriving future together."
In her opening remarks, she reflected on the outrage of stalled political progress since the Paris Agreement, the rise of climate delayism and the escalating impacts of climate change. Yet she also emphasised reasons for optimism, from the rapid growth of renewable energy to the ingenuity and leadership being shown by young people across the world.
She argued that the challenge now is to shift the Overton window, making ambitious climate action not just possible, but politically urgent, expected and embedded across society.
Putting young people centre stage
Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, added: “It was a privilege to bring Outrage + Optimism to Bath and to welcome Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson for an evening that connected global perspectives with local action.
"As our largest Adelard event to date, the evening showed the power of bringing together world-leading voices, engaged communities and young people. Our students were at the heart of the discussion throughout, reflecting the vital role universities can play in equipping and empowering the next generation to drive positive change.”
Following opening remarks from Bath Students' Union Education Officer Helen Slater, Christiana was joined on stage by fourth year student Xandi Drysdale, a former Chair of People & Planet who has recently returned from placement.
Xandi and Christiana's conversation explored hope, resilience and the importance of empowering young people to become agents of positive environmental change.
Helen Slater, Bath Students' Union Education Officer, added: "The topic of climate action can often leave young people feeling anxious and under pressure, but the Abbey was filled with such ambition and optimism. I truly believe everyone left the event feeling inspired to make a difference.
"It is so important that young people have a voice in these conversations. From opening the event myself, to having Xandi, a current student, on the panel, and seeing Bath students speak up and ask the “north star” questions, it is incredibly motivating to see the University not only recognises the value of our perspectives, but actively seeks them."
The event also took place during Green Week 2026 with the Bath student voice prominent throughout — opening and closing with a video montage filmed during Freshers' Week highlighting students fears and hopes for the future.
From optimism to action
The on stage discussion continued with a panel hosted by Outrage + Optimism co-hosts Tom and Paul, exploring how young people can be equipped with the skills, confidence and opportunities to tackle climate challenges and help shape a more sustainable future.
Drawing on questions submitted by the audience, Professor Phil Taylor, Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh and Bath alumnus Dr Nav Sawhney discussed how climate action can move from the margins to the mainstream, becoming a defining consideration in the careers people pursue, the organisations they join and the choices they make every day.
Reflecting on his own journey from engineering student to social entrepreneur, Nav encouraged young people to "learn to love the problem", seeing complex challenges not as barriers but as opportunities for innovation and impact.
Ahead of the live discussion, more than 400 guests explored a showcase of University of Bath research, innovation and partnerships tackling climate challenges.
Exhibits highlighted advances in hydrogen and clean energy technologies, the work of IAAPS, student-led community decarbonisation projects delivered through Bath's Vertically Integrated Projects programme, and global social impact initiatives including The Washing Machine Project.
Together, the exhibits demonstrated how University of Bath research, education and partnerships are helping to develop the solutions, technologies and future leaders needed to accelerate climate action.
