This summer has brought record-breaking heatwaves, widespread drought and extreme weather across the UK and around the world.

Space Park Conversations

What can record-breaking heatwaves tell us about Earth’s future?

Wednesday 14 October 2026 | 3pm–4pm

Space Park Leicester

Free in-person event

This summer has brought record-breaking heatwaves, widespread drought and extreme weather across the UK and around the world.But what can these events tell us about the future of our planet?Join Dr Tim Trent, Lecturer in Earth Observation at the University of Leicester and co-lead of the Water and Climate Research Lab (WCRL), for a fascinating look at the science behind this summer’s extreme weather – and what it could mean for Earth’s future.

Over the past nine months, we have experienced exceptionally high global temperatures, devastating wildfires and severe droughts, with unusual changes to familiar seasonal patterns.In the UK, five separate heatwaves have occurred, this summer has been the hottest on record, and widespread droughts have affected two-thirds of England.With extreme weather feeling increasingly close to home, Dr Trent will go beyond the headlines to explore the scientific evidence behind these events.

In this talk, you’ll discover:

The key climate science behind recent heatwaves, droughts and other extreme weather events

What Earth observation can tell us about changes happening across our planet

How scientists use climate data and models to understand and predict our future

Whether recent extreme weather could represent a turning point

What this exceptional summer can tell us about the climate we may experience in the years ahead.

Dr Trent said:“With a summer of record-breaking heatwaves and extremely dry landscapes, people may be asking whether we have reached a turning point.

“In my talk at Space Park Leicester, we will examine the key scientific ideas behind the recent extreme weather events and will go beyond the headlines to consider what this exceptional summer tells us about our planet's future.”

About the speaker

Dr Tim Trent is a Lecturer in Earth Observation at the University of Leicester’s School of Physics and Astronomy and co-leads the Water and Climate Research Lab (WCRL). WCRL studies different elements of the hydrological cycle, with a particular focus on how fast-domain water-cycle processes respond to climate change.Through his research and teaching, Dr Trent uses Earth observation and climate science to help us better understand the changing planet.

About Space Park Conversations

Space Park Conversations is our regular programme of free in-person public talks bringing together leading experts from across science, technology, engineering and beyond. Each session offers unique insights into the work shaping our world and our understanding of the universe. #SpaceParkCommunity

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