Climate Minister visits Leeds for first UK Ministerial engagement

The Priestley Centre for Climate Futures was delighted to welcome Climate Minister Katie White OBE MP to the University of Leeds on her first UK Ministerial visit last month.

During the visit, the Minister met with leading University of Leeds climate researchers – including Professor Piers Forster, Professor Jason Lowe OBE, Professor John Barrett OBE, Professor Fleur Loveridge, Dr Cat Scott and Professor Greg Marsden – for a roundtable discussion covering key climate topics such as carbon budgets, geothermal energy, transport, nature-based solutions, and regional climate innovation.

The Minister also toured one of the Chemistry laboratories, meeting students and the founders of SwitchDye, a University spin-out company which has unlocked a way to dye polyester using 90% fewer chemicals and 40% less water.

The visit provided an opportunity to see how cutting-edge academic research is being translated into practical innovation that supports the UK’s net zero ambitions.

As part of the day, the Minister took part in a Q&A session with Professor Piers Forster, Director of the Priestley Centre and one of the UK’s leading climate scientists. The conversation addressed questions submitted via the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s LinkedIn account, exploring how science informs government climate policy.

“It was a real pleasure to welcome the Minister to Leeds and to show how our research is helping to shape the evidence base for national and regional climate action. Bringing scientists and policymakers together is vital if we are to develop solutions that are both effective and fair, and I’m pleased we could have such an open and constructive discussion.”

Watch the full Q&A on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-OEo7ua3pw