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The Response: A story of fire and flood in Britain’s new world of extremes
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The Response: A story of fire and flood in Britain’s new world of extremes

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About This Event

An INSIGHTS Public Lecture by David Shukman will be held at the Curtis Auditorium in the Herschel Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RY on 4 November 2026. The journalist will explore the new extremes that bodies, buildings and landscapes now face in Britain and around the world as climate grows more extreme. The event discusses risks such as wildfires destroying homes and record-breaking heatwaves disrupting daily life.

INSIGHTS Public Lecture by by David Shukman

INSIGHTS Public Lecture

Wildfires destroying homes in the suburbs of London. Downpours so intense they can trap and drown people in basements. Record-breaking heatwaves disrupting railways, hospitals and daily life. What once seemed unimaginable is becoming reality as our climate grows more extreme. Even in Britain, one of the world’s wealthiest nations, we remain far from prepared for many of the risks ahead. Yet these dangers are not inevitable. In this lecture, journalist David Shukman will explore the new extremes that our bodies, buildings and landscapes now face in Britain and around the world - and what we can do about them.

David Shukman, journalist and former science editor of BBC News

David Shukman is a journalist, author and speaker. He began in journalism while studying for a BA in Geography at the University of Durham, later working in local newspapers and then the BBC in 1983. He reported from Northern Ireland during The Troubles, witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall as Defence Correspondent and then became Europe Correspondent based in Brussels. He went on to lead the BBC’s coverage of climate change and other environmental issues, first as Environment & Science Correspondent from 2003-2012 and then as the BBC’s first Science Editor from 2012-2021. David set out to help the public understand the state of climate science, the impacts of climate change and possible solutions, with broadcasts from as far afield as the Antarctic and the Amazon. David’s assignments took him to more than 100 countries and his reports were published on the BBC’s main news outlets in the UK and worldwide. Since leaving the BBC a few years ago, David has worked independently.

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Ticket Information

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This event will be held in the Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building (https://roomfinder.ncl.ac.uk/building.php?exid=BLDCE36A8B1-FF36-40C8-A683-B6286C7A73D0) at Newcastle University (NE1 7RU).

We operate a paperless ticketing system, so you do not need to print your tickets. Just give your name at the door.

To avoid crowding, audience members are asked to arrive for events no earlier than 15 minutes before the advertised start time.

For more information about what to expect when attending a lecture visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/events/public-lectures/attending-a-lecture (https://www.ncl.ac.uk/events/public-lectures/attending-a-lecture)

Venue Details and Accessibility

The Herschel Building is located a 3-minute walk from Haymarket Metro Station and Bus Station, and is easily accessible by Public Transport.

The Curtis Auditorium is a tiered lecture theatre and has 8 designated spaces for wheelchair users, with flat-level access. There is also a hearing loop system and an accessible toilet nearby.

Please note any access requirements on your booking form.

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You can view event information and join the public lectures mailing list to receive the latest news at www.ncl.ac.uk/public-lectures (https://www.ncl.ac.uk/events/public-lectures/).

Disclaimer

The University will make all reasonable efforts to deliver INSIGHTS Public Lectures. However, it may be necessary to make changes in response to significant disruption.

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Frequently asked questions

The Response: A story of fire and flood in Britain’s new world of extremes takes place on Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 17:30.

The Response: A story of fire and flood in Britain’s new world of extremes is held at Curtis Auditorium in Newcastle upon Tyne (Herschel Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RY).

Entry to The Response: A story of fire and flood in Britain’s new world of extremes is free.

The forecast for The Response: A story of fire and flood in Britain’s new world of extremes is Overcast · 10°C.

Yes — hotels within walking distance of Curtis Auditorium can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.

Tickets for The Response: A story of fire and flood in Britain’s new world of extremes can be booked via Eventbrite using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.

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