Scientists Address Climate Crisis in Figueres
The Auditori Caputxins in Figueres hosted the central event of the 11th edition of Science Needs You! on Saturday, 26 September 2026. The day-long forum brought together leading Catalan scientists to examine the scientific and social challenges of climate change, resource use, and global transformation. The opening ceremony featured institutional remarks from Mariona Seguranyes, councillor for Figueres City Council, followed by representatives from the Catalan Association for Scientific Outreach (ACDIC). Àngels Yécora spoke for the organisation, while Miqueleta Balanzó represented its younger members, symbolising generational renewal in science communication.
Expert Panels on Biodiversity, Weather Extremes and Energy
The scientific programme was led by three prominent researchers. Josep Peñuelas, research professor at CSIC and director of the Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, discussed planetary changes and biodiversity loss. A native of Figueres, Peñuelas highlighted regional and global ecological shifts. María del Carmen Llasat, professor of Applied Physics at the University of Barcelona, focused on extreme weather events in the Mediterranean region and the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation strategies. Esteve Corbera, ICREA researcher and professor at ICTA-UAB, addressed the social dimensions of climate change, including energy consumption and the socio-political conflicts arising during the ecological transition. His talk, titled 'Mitigating Climate Change: A Pessimistic View from Environmental Justice', was delivered at 12:20. A participatory roundtable at 13:10, moderated by journalist Montserrat Rigall, united all three speakers to discuss 'Climate Change: Resources, Power and Global Transformation'.
Public Events Continue Through October
The festival will continue with a series of public events linking science with art, film and local culture. On Tuesday 30 September, La Cate in Figueres will screen the documentary Chasing Ice, with a morning session for secondary schools and a debate featuring biologist Josep M. Dacosta. On 10 October, Celler Perelada in Peralada will host a science and viticulture event with agronomist Dr Robert Savé, accompanied by a musical recital of Frederic Mompou’s works performed by pianist Pere Puig Griessenberger and poetry readings by Txe Arana from Maria Àngels Anglada’s writings. Further events include a lecture by Carlos Tabernero and a guided tour by Blanca Sala at the Museu de l'Empordà on 24 October. The second film forum will take place on 28 October at La Cate with a screening of How to Blow Up a Pipeline, followed by a debate on the limits of climate activism. Full details of the Science Needs You! 2026 programme are available via the Gerió Digital event tag.
Reported by gerio.cat, UAB - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Gerió Digital.
