Chemistry Sustainability held its first "In Conversation" event in November, which featured an intimate conversation between Emeritus Professor John Pyle CBE FRS and Assistant Professor Jenny Zhang, followed by refreshments, sustainability Bingo, and a chance to meet the speakers.

John, who is a former head of this department, is a globally renowned atmospheric scientist and was a co-chair of the Scientific Assessment Panel that advises parties to the Montreal Protocol. Jenny runs a research group in this department which researches artificial photosynthesis, including converting energy created by cyanobacteria from sunlight into electrical signals that could be used to generate sustainable fuels.

Jenny questioned John about his decades-long research career, and the importance of the complex climate models he and other research groups have developed, which are so crucial to understanding the effect of anthropogenic emissions in the atmosphere. John has been very involved in the UN Montreal Protocol, which has been almost universally supported by all countries and has successfully restricted the emission of ozone-depleting chemicals. It was interesting to hear why this model was successful, and whether it could be used as a basis for international agreement on reducing greenhouse gases.

The event was attended by over 40 people, who then gathered in the lobby to enjoy refreshments, meet the speakers, and enjoy 'Sustainability Bingo' -- a fun way to meet department members with similar interests, and to find out what others are doing to improve sustainability both at home and in the department.