Scientists discuss climate and environmental change

Speakers at the Quaternary Research Association annual discussion meeting (7 January – 9 January) will review current research and also look forward to future scientific developments.

The meeting will focus on the Quaternary period, which began 2.6 million years ago and is ongoing. The Quaternary period is also known as the ‘Ice Age’ – defined as a relatively cooler period in the Earth’s history – that we are now living through.

This year’s meeting marks the 50th anniversary of the QRA and is themed ‘Revolutions in Quaternary science’.

Reviewing scientific progress so far, delegates will discuss:

• Causes of climate change

• Measuring and modelling climates

• Sea level change

• Human origins and genetics

• Human impacts on environments and climates

• Past ecosystems

Professor Dan Charman, who will chair the meeting, says: “The UK is at the forefront of this area of science. We have come a long way over the past 50 years and can contribute much to enviornmental challenges in the future.”

Dr Catherine Souch, RGS-IBG Head of Research and Higher Education, says: “We are delighted to be hosting this events and celebrating the achievements of quaternary science and this area of geography.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further information, including media passes, please contact Ben Parfitt, Communications and Media Officer on 020 7591 3019 or press@rgs.org

2. The Quaternary Research Association (QRA) annual discussion meeting is taking place from 7 January to 9 January at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) in London. Full on the meeting can be found at www.rgs.org/qra2014

3. The Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830, our Royal Charter of 1859 is for 'the advancement of geographical science'. Today, we deliver this objective through developing, supporting and promoting geographical research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, public engagement, and geography input to policy. We aim to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of our world. We hold the world's largest private geographical collection and provide public access to it. We have a thriving Fellowship and membership and offer the professional accreditation 'Chartered Geographer’. More details from www.rgs.org

4. The Quaternary Research Association is a research organisation interested in the last 2.6 million years of Earth's history (the Quaternary) – also known as the ‘Ice Age’. The QRA celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014. Since the foundation of the Association in 1964, Quaternary science has developed rapidly and become much more integrated with other areas of the environmental sciences. It now contributes to far-reaching debates on the Earth system and its relationship with past and future human development and society.