Futureproof Your Planet: Physics for a Greener Planet and Innovations in Sustainability

Explore how The University of Manchester’s Department of Physics and Astronomy is at the forefront of combating the climate crisis.

From pioneering sustainable computing and energy-efficient particle accelerators to advancing dark matter research, our work is driving real change.

Join Dr Pete Millington and colleagues and discover our innovative approaches and see how they're shaping a greener future for science and technology.

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Our researchers will be at the premiere watching right beside you! So feel free to drop your sustainability questions and comments in the live chat to get them answered!

#futureproof #climatechange

[UoMSciEng]

Some left over answers from the questions in the live stream:

Are current particle accelerators able to subject particles to all conditions that we would want to have as experimental conditions?

"What we want out of particle accelerators really depends on the physics that we are trying to understand. If we want to find very heavy particles then we might want to go to very high energies. If we want to measure an extremely rare process, something that happens in only a very small proportion of collisions, then we will want to have more intense particle beams with more collisions. On the other hand, we might want to collide different types of particles or collide particles in a way that allows us to more easily identify the signatures that we are interested in. This means we actually want a variety of different and complementary types of particle accelerators to fully test theories and look for new physics." - Pete Millington

Would a physics degree from Manchester provide enough maths along with the physics to be able to go onto a PhD in either experimental physics or theoretical physics?

"Mathematics is the tool that physicists use to try to understand and predict how nature works. So, yes, as a physics student at Manchester, you would learn the physics and the mathematics that you would need to go onto postgraduate study in physics. (I did my physics degree at The University of Manchester, going on to a PhD in particle physics, and ending up a researcher in theoretical physics.)" - Pete Millington

Any proof that quantum physics exists or works in reality?

"Quantum physics is at the heart of modern digital technologies. So aside from direct tests of quantum theory, we make practical use of it as well. That is not to say that there are not fundamental questions to be asked about quantum theory, but it is doing well so far!" - Pete Millington

What do you believe the future of renewable energy will rely upon? E.g. Fusion, solar, etc?

"A difficult question indeed. What is clear is that there is not a single solution; there is not one thing that is going to fix all our problems. Instead, we need a range of complementary solutions, designed with local conditions and requirements in mind, alongside energy efficiency, demand-side reduction and new grid infrastructure that can adapt to the availability of renewables and ensure a stable supply of energy where and when it is needed." Pete Millington [there's actually a talk coming up on the grid!]

What are your thoughts on the true solution to the Drake Equation?

"I will just quote Carl Sagan on this one: "The universe is a pretty big place. If it's just us, it seems like an awful waste of space."" Pete Millington

Any better substitute of refrigerant?

"In particle physics, for example, there are huge efforts going into replacing existing gases used in cooling or in particle detectors with eco-gases that have significantly lower global warming potential." - Pete Millington