Professor Chris Jackson on climate change: ‘We were in a hole - but we can dig ourselves out’

Geologist and science communicator Professor Chris Jackson says he remains optimistic about humanity's ability to tackle climate change, despite the scale of the challenge.

"It's like a second half comeback - the first half was doom and gloom, we were in a hole," he tells The Independent. "And then we dug ourselves out. That's the optimism I hold on to."

Jackson, who has spent his career applying geological science to understanding climate change, argues that the same skills used by the fossil fuel industry can now be redirected towards green energy solutions.

Professor Jackson will be speaking at the Cosmic Shambles Forest of Science and Culture at Latitude Festival 2026, taking place 23–26 July at Henham Park, Suffolk. Tickets are available at latitudefestival.com.