"Is 'Clean Coal' an Act of Faith?" - University Arms - 3/3/10 - 8pm

Sheffield Humanists' March Meeting...

"Title: Is 'Clean Coal' an Act of Faith?

Date: Wednesday 3 March 2010

Time: 20:00 - 22:00

Location: The University Arms

Notes: Climate change is a big issue and the recent disputes about some of the research have not undermined the general consensus that the changes are real and that humans are a major factor in the changes. Our actions have an impact well beyond our borders and time. This is both a practical and a moral issue of concern to humanists: how much risk should we take for other people, future generations and the wider environment to maintain our social structures and wellbeing.

The central problem is that we depend on cheap energy for our way of life. Coal is a cheap source of energy but it generates a lot of pollution. 'Clean Coal' technology should capture the pollutants and lock them away but the technology is expensive and has yet to be proved. In the meantime coal fired power stations are planned and in construction in the UK that have no facilities to capture the carbon emissions.

The March Sheffield Humanist Society meeting will be a change from our usual format. We have speakers from two different points of view but both concerned with creating a cleaner environment with sustainable sources of energy. They are Terry Fox (TUC Clean Coal Task Force) and Jenny Patient & Anne Harris (Sheffield Campaign Against Climate Change). They will help us explore and understand the issues involved.

The meeting is at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday 3rd March at the University Arms, 197 Brook Hill, Sheffield, S3 7HG

The University Arms is close to the tram, get off at the Sheffield University stop, and several buses stop nearby including 51 & 52, stopping almost next to the pub, with 94 & 95 a short walk away. Parking is available in the streets behind the pub.You can see a map of the location with this link: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=university+arms+sheffield "