Climate Upheaval

After a summer of wildfires, drought and natural disasters across the world – and the first hosepipe ban in Somerset in 50 years – climate and geopolitics expert Arthur Snell should prove a fascinating guest at the Festival.

In his book Elemental he suggests that, while natural disasters and increased scarcity of food shake the established world order, an alternative is possible.

The climate crisis is already affecting millions of lives, but instead of conflict, such challenges could also lead to innovation, upending economies and global power structures to create pioneering ways of living.

Snell is a former British Ambassador who has worked in conflict zones and fragile states throughout the Middle East and Africa, advising governments on a range of security- and conflict-related issues.

Snell appears at the Festival on Tuesday 20 October.