Inspiring Chemistry Careers

Climate Conscious

EBP are working in collaboration with the RSC, who are funding us to deliver engaging workshops that promote chemistry based STEM careers in Cornwall.

Pupils at Liskeard School and Community College recently had the opportunity to participate in an inspiring Climate Careers session led by Hayley Hill, an environmental scientist. The session aimed to raise awareness and ignite young minds' interest in pursuing STEM careers.

During the session, Hayley engaged the pupils by showcasing the myriad career opportunities within environmental science. As part of her role at Climate Care Cornwall, Hayley utilises educational films to effectively teach students about climate change, fostering a deeper understanding of this critical issue. In these lessons, Hayley also introduces the chemistry of the oceans and their crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate. For instance, the oceans act as a major carbon sink, absorbing about a quarter of the CO2 we emit into the atmosphere. She explains how carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid (H2CO3), which lowers the ocean's pH and can lead to ocean acidification. This chemical process impacts marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to form shells and skeletons, such as corals and shellfish. By integrating these chemistry concepts, Hayley helps students understand how the oceans, through their chemical processes, are both part of the climate solution and an indicator of the challenges posed by climate change.

Climate Workshop