An Atmosphere Sandwich

Air pollution is a major public health concern, with nitrogen dioxide being a key pollutant linked to respiratory issues and other health impacts. But when interventions like Clean Air Zones are introduced, how can we tell if they actually work?
This talk explores how machine learning can help assess the effectiveness of air quality interventions by accounting for factors like weather and background pollution levels. By uncovering trends in air quality data, we can better understand the impact of these measures and inform future policies to create healthier urban environments.

Plates for the Planet dives into the daily drama of food choices — where cost, health, and climate collide. How do families decide what’s for dinner? What do kids think about eating bugs or lab-grown meat? And would you back bold policies to cut meat? Join us for a bite-sized journey into the future of food — packed with big questions, surprising insights, and plenty of food for thought.

The atmosphere is a vast ocean of air, filled with invisible waves, powerful winds and (at the very top) shooting stars. The ancient Greeks saw air as one of the four fundamental elements – an invisible force shaping life. But how do you measure something you can’t see?
In this talk we take a journey through atmospheric measurements, from daring balloon flights in the 19th-century, to my own experiences launching weather balloons and flying on a research plane, we’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges and wonders of understanding this invisible ocean above our heads.