Climate change is not only changing the weather. It is redrawing the map of global power.
Join author, geopolitical expert and former British diplomat Arthur Snell for a timely and compelling conversation about climate, conflict and the rapidly changing geography of our world.
In his groundbreaking new book, Elemental: The New Geography of Climate Change and How We Survive It, Arthur explores how a warming planet is already transforming migration, trade, energy, security and the balance of power between nations.
Drawing on decades of experience in some of the world’s most complex regions - including Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria and Zimbabwe - Arthur reveals the deeper forces connecting environmental change with political instability and global competition.
From new shipping routes opening across the Arctic to growing competition for water, habitable land and critical minerals, Elemental asks one of the defining questions of our time:
How do we live, adapt and survive in a world whose geography is changing beneath our feet?
Arthur will be joined in conversation by former British diplomat Hugh Davies CMG, who led the British team in the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group during the final four years of negotiations surrounding the historic handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997.
Together, they bring decades of first-hand diplomatic experience to an evening of big ideas, remarkable insight and urgent questions about what comes next.
Clear-eyed but not without hope, the conversation will explore how innovation, cooperation and intelligent action could still help us shape a different future.
This promises to be a fascinating evening that may permanently change the way you read the news.
The bar will be open from 5pm, giving you time to enjoy a drink before the conversation begins at 6pm.
Why not make an evening of it? Join us for dinner in The Restaurant after the event, where our chefs will be serving a beautifully considered seasonal menu inspired by the fields, gardens, hedgerows and coast around us.
Restaurant tables are limited, so advance booking is warmly recommended.
Thursday 17 September
5pm: Doors and bar open
6pm: Conversation begins
The event will run from 6pm to 7.30pm, without an interval. The bar will remain open until 8pm, giving you time to continue the conversation over a drink before dinner.
Tickets: £12
Please read our Booking Terms before completing your purchase. Tickets are refundable up to 48 hours before the event start time. We are unable to offer refunds within 48 hours of the event or for non-attendance.
What to expect
Join us at The Sherborne for talks, performances, workshops and special events in the remarkable setting of Sherborne House. Please arrive in good time, especially for popular events, as seating is usually unallocated and offered on a first come, first served basis.
Where possible, our team will be on hand to welcome you, direct you to the event space and answer any questions.
Need to know
Refunds: Tickets are refundable up to 48 hours before the event. We are unable to refund cancellations made within 48 hours of the event start time.
Seating: Seating is not allocated unless clearly stated. Please arrive early if you would like a particular seat.
Access: The Sherborne has disabled access. Please let us know about any access requirements when booking, or contact us before your visit.
Arrival: Late admission may not always be possible, depending on the event.
Dietary requirements: For events involving food or drink, please tell us about any dietary requirements when booking.