This short lecture series explores the dynamic story of our planet – from its foundations to the pressing climate challenges of today. We begin with the building blocks of Planet Earth; uncovering how rocks, minerals, and tectonic processes shape the world beneath our feet. From there, we journey through deep time to examine past climate change, learning how the geological record reveals dramatic shifts in Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and landscapes.

Using the Belfast Hills as a local case study, we connect global processes to the landscapes on our doorstep, discovering how volcanic activity, ice ages, and erosion have shaped Northern Ireland’s landscapes. Finally, we turn to the future, exploring the vital role of geoscience in addressing climate change, from carbon capture and renewable energy resources to understanding environmental resilience.

The series concludes with a special visit to the core store of the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, where participants will see first-hand the rock records that help scientists decode Earth’s history and inform solutions for a changing climate.

Week One (Tuesday 28^th April 7pm – 9pm) – Building blocks of planet Earth, Belfast Castle

Week Two (Tuesday 12^th May 7pm – 9pm) – Past climate change and the Belfast Hills, Belfast Castle

Week Three (Tuesday 26^th May 7pm – 9pm) – The role of geoscience in fighting future climate change, Belfast Castle

Week Four (Saturday 30^th May 10am – 12 noon) – Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) Core Store visit

Booking is now live and can be done below. Tickets cost £20 / £15 concession rate for the full series.