Free festival explores climate change, ‘fake news’ and more

The University’s Open House festival returns next month, with an award-winning line up of speakers exploring topics such as ‘fake news’, the climate crisis, and life in the Instagram age.

Former BBC Newsnight presenter Gavin Esler launches the fortnight of free events on Monday 16 March with a talk about the dangerous normalisation of ‘fake news’ in public life. He’ll also be signing copies of his latest book, Brexit without the Bullshit, which was inspired by the same topic.

Climate change is one of the most important issues facing the world today. Science can help us adapt, but society also has a huge part to play in tackling the crisis. Liverpool scientists researching a wide range of climate change issues will take a closer look at the latest science, while humanities and social science experts will consider the crisis from a social and cultural perspective during two special panel events.

As part of the University’s ‘Liverpool Literary Festival presents…’ series, award-winning novelist and Liverpool alumna Emma Jane Unsworth will chat about her new Sunday Times Bestselling novel Adults, which is described as ‘a sharp, funny tale of trying to be yourself in the age of Instagram’.

Other highlights include talks on health inequalities, architecture, heritage and regeneration, music performances and a celebration of the past, present and future of science fiction.

We welcome people from every walk of life to discuss, debate and learn about some of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Open House runs from 16-27 March 2020. For the full programme, including timings and booking details, please visit: www.liverpool.ac.uk/openhouse