Professor Ian Williams: “How scientists and artists can collaborate to cut through ‘ecofatigue’ and inspire positive action”
Pairing scientists with an artist-in-residence can cut through “ecofatigue” (feelings of overwhelm or exhaustion about environment issues that lead to apathy and inaction), spark emotion and change the way people deal with plastics. My team and I recently published a study that demonstrated this is a low-cost and feasible way to tackle plastic waste in […]
Professor Ian Williams: Smart clothes will soon be on sale. But regulations are needed to prevent a new waste mountain
When you think of advanced futuristic clothing, what comes to mind? Perhaps shirts that can detect and alert users to low blood glucose levels or socks that can track your running form, step count and speed? What about pyjamas that observe subtle bodily changes while you sleep leading to early detection of cancer or warn carers of imminent seizures? Imagine if all […]
Professor Ian Williams: Space launches are changing the chemistry of Earth’s atmosphere, studies warn – here’s what can be done
Look up on a clear night and you’ll see the streaks of our new space age. What you don’t see is the growing fallout for the atmosphere that keeps us alive. A wave of satellite launches and reentries is changing the chemistry and physics of the middle and upper atmosphere. Studies warn of ozone depletion, stratospheric heating and […]
Professor Ian Williams: “Three decades on from Wales’ biggest oil spill, how the Sea Empress disaster changed shipping
I grew up on the beaches of Pembrokeshire in south-west Wales. Visits to Tenby were my family’s summer ritual: sand between our toes, paddling in rockpools, strawberry syrup on ice cream. But 30 years ago, I vividly remember walking along Tenby’s North Beach with my mother and grandmother. No crowds. No laughter. Just the hush […]