Transforming Breakthroughs into Reality: Visionaries Discuss Climate Change, Inequality, and Innovation

London, UK - Three visionary thinkers explored the crucial challenge of transforming promising breakthroughs in science into real-world solutions during a TIME100 Talks event in London on Monday.

Phil Caldwell, CEO of clean energy company Ceres Power, space scientist and science communicator Margaret Aderin-Pocock, and Michael Short, former chief scientific adviser at the U.K. Department for International Trade and visiting professor at the University College of London, shared insights from their work at the intersection of scientific innovation and practical implementation.

The panelists emphasized the urgent need for technological solutions to address climate change, with Caldwell noting that while technologies like solar and electric vehicles are being rapidly adopted, the last 20% of decarbonization will likely prove the most stubborn. Ceres Power hopes to accelerate this process through the development of green hydrogen and fuel cells.

However, Aderin-Pocock also highlighted that science can do more than just mitigate climate change. She argued that satellite technologies offer sophisticated tools for responding to climate challenges, including improved weather forecasting and early-warning systems.

While scientific innovation can bring huge benefits, the panelists acknowledged that not everyone has equal access to these advancements. Aderin-Pocock noted that many people in areas worst affected by climate change are the most poorly supported by technology, and efforts are underway to make sure "what we develop is available to everybody."

Short emphasized the importance of making technology both inclusive and adoptable for all people, even in the face of existing barriers such as limited internet access. He stressed that science and technology are not a replacement for social and policy solutions, but rather a complement.

To overcome growing science skepticism, Aderin-Pocock stressed the need for open dialogue about scientific knowledge and ensuring that people from all walks of life get exposure to science. Caldwell suggested selling a positive vision of the future and communicating the benefits of clean energy, rather than dwelling on fear or technological solutions alone.

Their discussion highlighted the complex interplay between scientific innovation, climate change, inequality, and social dynamics - and the need for more inclusive and effective approaches to turning promising breakthroughs into real-world solutions.