The Science Museum's latest exhibition looks at climate change and the scientific challenges of solving pollution emissions. © Science Museum
A new exhibition at The Science Museum attempts to tackle one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century – climate change.
The exhibition ‘Can algae save the world?’ runs until April 30 2008 and focuses on the role of science in offering possible solutions to the problem by developing the specific technology of biofuels.
Many of the solutions to climate change are controversial. Debates rage about the merits of certain technologies making it all the more difficult for the public to understand.
The exhibition aims to demystify 'green' fuel options for the future and engage the visitor with clear, interactive information. © The Science Museum
The museum has dedicated this exhibition to making sense of the mysteries by clearly setting out the pros and cons in an accessible, interactive way. Visitors can view a ‘Mini Algae Farm’, a device to grow algae, as well as learn about the possibilities of using it as a green alternative to fossil fuels.
Scientists acknowledge the fact that human activity is contributing to the earth becoming warmer. Burning fossil fuels is a major contribution, releasing carbon into the atmosphere. Biofuels are a better alternative but still have their pros and cons; the cultivation, processing and transportation uses fossil fuels which all adds to the carbon footprint.
The practicalities of biofuels are thoroughly examined, looking at how it is already used in power stations and modified cars.
The museum wants to hear the public's views and thoughts on how to tackle climate change. A selection of these will appear as part of the exhibition. © The Science Museum
The UK government’s recently announced Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation initiative wants 5% of transport fuel sold at garages to be biofuel by 2010 and scientists are working to improve biofuels for the future by investigating alternative fuel crops.
One strong, but surprising, contender is algae. These water plants, some species so small that they can only be viewed under a microscope, have the potential to be the best biofuel because less land is needed to harvest it.
Could algae save the world? It’s an exciting prospect but, like all technologies, not one without problems. But in our current environmental and social climate, with global warming the hot issue of the day, it is a hugely important question to explore.
Technology alone won’t save the world, but it can certainly help. Engaging society is an important goal and the thoughts and ideas of the public will be displayed at the gallery.
The free exhibition, ‘Can algae save the world?…and other important questions about climate change’ runs in the Antenna Gallery of the Science Museum.
