Science-British Council and Cafe Scientifique

Café Scientifique is not your ordinary café. It is where debate about impact of science is encouraged, awareness is raised and relationships are built. It is also where good coffee is served.

British Council saw the advantages of holding Café Scientifique events here in the Philippines. And last 05 June 08, the First British Council Café Scientifique titled “Climate Change Begins at Home” was held at the British Council Office. It was attended by various members of environmental youth groups, NGO’s and individuals who are passionate about science and the environment.

		The event was graced by a British Council resource person, Dr. Dave Reay, through a video-conference. Dr. Reay is a Natural Environment Research Council fellow, the Director of MSc Carbon Management Programme and a lecturer in University of Edinburgh. He presented the issue of climate change and the participation of countries and its citizens in addressing this problem. He showed pictures of carbon footprints of countries like the Philippines, UK and the US.

After Dr. Reay’s presentation, participants were asked to group and discuss what people can do to help solve the problem on climate change. Our facilitators, Quentin Cooper, host of BBC Radio The Material World, and Mitzi Borromeo, a broadcaster and the Philippine coordinator of Café Scientifique, made the interaction between the resource person and the guests more interesting and lively. And with the brewed coffee from Figaro, everyone was bustling in the discussion.

The discussion was very productive that all members of the group shared their thoughts on the issue. They had different ideas but were able to come up with definite solutions for their groups. Solutions like incorporating environment education in school curriculum for the young to learn its importance at an early age, to providing more financial support to our scientists for them to develop more environment friendly products and processes. The discussion was a mix of passion and knowledge that emanated from the participants.

Dr. Reay said that Philippines might appear too small to contribute to this worldwide problem, but if everyone around the globe starts contributing to slow down climate change, we definitely can make a difference. And he has the numbers to prove it.

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British Council will hold its 2nd Café Scientifique Video Conference in October 2008.