The Earth System: history, future and implications for life elsewhere

This symposium is a celebration of Andy Watson’s career in science as he comes to formal retirement and emeritus status. The speakers are his ex-students or others closely associated with themes that he has contributed to over the years. This is an in-person event - please register to attend here.

Programme

10.30-11.00        Registration, coffee and pastries.

11.00-11.05        Welcome and opening address - Peter Cox, University of Exeter

11.05-11.35        Evolution of the atmosphere of the early Earth- Colin Goldblatt, University of Victoria, BC Canada

11.35-12.05        Geological regulation of carbon and climate– Andy Ridgwell, University of California at Riverside

12.05-12.35        The evolution of Gaias – Tim Lenton, University of Exeter

12.35-13.30        Lunch

13.30-14.00        Controls on atmospheric oxygen: fire and plants – Rayanne Vitali, Aarhus University

14.00-14.30        Earth’s deep future and life elsewhere – Ben Mills, University of Leeds

14.30-15.00        Exoplanets, biosignatures and habitability metrics – Andrew Rushby, Birkbeck University of London

15.00-15.30        Afternoon refreshments

15.30-16.00        New applications of Daisyworlds - James Dyke, University of Exeter

16.00-16.30        The Earth system-to-human connection - Andy Watson, University of Exeter

16.30-17.00        Toast and drinks reception

The programme will continue at Topsham Brewery from 7pm with music from GSI resident DJ Dr James Dyke.

Speaker biographies