Science and Innovation
Ellie Cooper speaks to Stuart McDowell from Scotland and Marcy Campbell from Darwin Australia about science and innovation for the ‘100 Voices: Home and Away’ project.
The Green Future of Scotland (Home)
Scotland’s future lies in the hands of the people along with advances in science and innovating new ideas to help with climate change.
Stuart McDowall, head of Innovation in STEM at the City of Glasgow College, has worked alongside the projects of the future. He said: “The college sits on the Glasgow regional stem hub that works with other colleges and countries. We have ambitious climate goals.”
Stuart helped develop the first prototype of ‘Aquabot’. This is a pool cleaning robot that is better for the environment which uses sensory technology. Already, this is a huge step for tackling climate change head on.
He said: “The institution for innovators (IKE) in the college exemplifies support for micro ideas and contributes to a wider body of work with climate issues. COP26 is providing a catalyst.”
Tackling Climate with Fire (Away)
Northern Australia has many ways of fighting climate issues. A lot of residents own solar powered housing, and due to climate change, they have also become conscious of how much they’re using air conditioning. Scientists here set up controlled fires to reduce the impact of wildfires, however, this can be damaging to wildlife. CSIRO is a team that works with government and researchers to help tackle these climate problems like bushfires, collaborating to boost Australia’s innovation performance.
The decrease in rainfall in Australia due to climate change has been critical. Marcy Campbell, 19, who lived in Darwin in the Northern Territory said: “Power outages did happen due to cyclones and at one point we were using small solar powered fans to keep cool. The occasional shower of rain was a godsend.”
She mentioned to me that the dry heat wasn’t as bad, but it was the humid heat that was the worst because going outside was a lot more uncomfortable. Also, at her old school the air conditioning was always on so in classes everyone was freezing cold.
Stuart also said that the projects he helps as it "contributes to a wider body of work with climate".