University says 'world's climate science experts are based in Exeter' and 'we are working on solutions', despite XR demo
Exeter University says it's ongoing international climate science conference will result in change
Last updated 1st Jul 2026
Exeter University says its week-long international climate science conference is having an impact - despite 10 Extinction Rebellion activists storming the stage as it opened.
The activists unhappy with a sponsor of the event which brings together global business and policy makers.
The group claims 'Howden Insurance protects fossil fuel infrastructure, and has no stated intention of ending or decreasing its activity in the fossil fuel sector' as they called for faster progress in tackling the climate crisis worldwide.
Greatest Hits Radio has contacted Howden for a response, which we will publish once issued.
Deputy vice chancellor Stuart Brocklehurst says events like this summit are leading to change, reflecting: "There was a very bad climate summit in 2005 which achieved very little and at that point we were heading for about 4 degress of global warming.
"As of today we're heading for maybe 2.3, 2.5 - now that is not good, that is going to cause real problems - but we've actually made real progress already."
In an interview with Greatest Hits Radio Mr Brocklehurst said he did not want that to result in ' a slowing down' of progress' but it might help reassure people that any actions taken can and are resulting in change.
Mr Brocklehurst says there is much more to do an summits like this week's event are helping bring together leaders to ensure lasting change, adding that Exeter was a leader in the field.
"We're incredibly fortunate here in Devon to have the greatest concentration of climate scientists in one place anywhere in the world," he said.
"We have the Met Office and the University of Exeter which has more of the world's top 100 climate scientists than any other university."
At approximately 10:40am on Monday, ten activists got onto the stage during the Exeter Climate Forum’s keynote speech to demand that the university drop the sponsorship and cut all ties with fossil fuel companies.
After disrupting the keynote speech of the university’s Vice-chancellor, Lisa Roberts, the activists onstage joined around fifty people protesting outside the event. This included staff, students, and members of Exeter UCU (University and College Union) joining in solidarity. Earlier this week, the University Vice Chancellor announced a wave of cuts to academic staff, including from the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI).
Speaking at the opening session, Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “The climate emergency is the greatest challenge facing humanity today, so it is vital that we bring to bear the power of our collective efforts to address these challenges with the boldest of actions.
"The wide variety of delegates here today – drawn from policymakers, business leaders, civil society and researchers – show us just how important it is to engage everybody in this fight.
“Here at the University of Exeter, we are incredibly proud to be playing our part in driving meaningful action on climate change, whether through engaging global policymakers with the latest science; discovering sustainable methods for extracting the critical minerals needed for a low-carbon future; or by interrogating the potential health impacts of a changing climate.
“Together we have come so far in the fight for our planet. And I remain confident that if we continue to engage with each other, and learn from each other, that we will make a real and lasting impact in our quest to turn the tide on climate change.”