Christiana Figueres, the former UN climate chief who played a pivotal role in securing the Paris Climate Agreement, will join Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath and expert in renewable energy systems, alongside guests from the world’s leading climate podcast Outrage + Optimism at the next Adelard event this month.

Hosted as part of the University's 60th anniversary Adelard Series, named after renowned medieval scholar and polymath Adelard of Bath, the panellists will discuss climate leadership across the generations and explore how universities, business, policymakers and young people can work together towards a more sustainable future.

Originally planned for June, the event – ‘Powering the next generation to lead climate action’ was postponed during a period of exceptional heat, a reminder that climate change is no longer a future challenge but one that is already affecting us today.

It will now take place from 7.30pm to 8.30pm on 14 October 2026 at Bath Abbey. The in-person event is already fully booked but it will be live-streamed and attendees can register to join here. Journalists wishing to attend or speak to Christiana Figueres or Professor Taylor should contact the University of Bath Press Office at press@bath.ac.uk.

“That postponement was a powerful reminder of why this conversation matters and why it is so urgent. For me, we need to approach the challenge of climate change with urgency, certainly, but also with ambition, optimism and a determination to seize the opportunities ahead,” said Professor Taylor.

“What Britain experienced this summer and what people around the world are experiencing now is a harsh new climate reality. The impacts - already devastating - are set to worsen rapidly with the strengthening El Niño. We’re deep in the danger zone and we need a new kind of leadership to get us through this,” said Christiana Figueres, co-founder of Global Optimism, and co-host of Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast.

“We need to meet our fear with courage, and uncertainty with curiosity. We need to meet conflict with deep listening and complexity with humility. These are the leadership qualities so many young people have to offer today, and that is what is so exciting about this event in Bath. We hope you will join us,” she added.

Professor Taylor and Christiana Figueres will be joined by global climate leaders and strategists Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson, as well as panellists from the University of Bath including Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, Bath alumnus and honorary graduate Dr Nav Sawhney, founder of The Washing Machine Project, Bath Students' Union Education Officer Helen Slater and current student Xandi Drysdale.

The event builds on the Outrage + Optimism team's visit to Bath in February 2026 and is presented in partnership with Bath Festivals, Bath Digital Festival and the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution.