Skating on thin ice
NMMU leads the way with screenings of new climate science film
IN a first of its kind, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) is launching a new climate science film and debate around the subject.
The university will be screening Thin Ice, the Inside Story of Climate Science at venues in Port Elizabeth and George next week.
As the only university in the country to offer a new trans-disciplinary science of Earth Stewardship, NMMU was asked to promote the film and facilitate debate surrounding climate science.
The film will also be screened at schools and universities in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and India.
“We would like to engage the public more with our various scientific challenges.
“This film is an ideal way of triggering dialogue across the metropole on a subject that affects us all, as global stakeholders, especially in Africa and the Eastern Cape,” NMMU’s Professor Maarten de Wit said.
De Wit is a pioneer in the new field of Earth Stewardship science which aims to research sustainable development goals for people and planet in an integrated fashion by bringing scientists from different disciplines together.
The goal of the project is to give ordinary citizens the chance to find out what scientists working in this field are doing, and why their findings cause them so much concern.
“The film allows climate scientists working around the world to communicate directly with a global audience,” De Wit said.
After the screenings, a group of experts and students will hold debates with the public on climate change.
This film is an ideal way of triggering dialogue across the metropole
The film, created by scientists Simon Lamb and David Sington, will be launched on Monday, World Earth Day.
Thin Ice, the Inside Story of Climate Science will be screened at:
ý NMMU’s south campus auditorium on April 23 at 6pm;
ý NMMU’s George campus lecture theatre (live streaming) on April 23 at 6pm;
ý NMMU’s Missionvale campus conference centre on April 24 at 3pm;
ý South End Museum on April 24 at 6pm;
ý Red Location Museum on April 25 at 3pm; and
ý Bird Street Campus, Room 101l, on April 26 at 6pm.