Researchers in conspiracy theory and human behaviour from the University of Bath will join a discussion panel of experts and filmmakers at an event in central Bath on March 16, which will screen three films on climate hoax, denial and anxiety.

Dr Tim Hill an expert in conspiracy theory from the University of Bath School of Management, and Caroline Hickman, a lecturer in the Department of Department of Social & Policy Sciences who specialises in young people’s relationships with nature and the climate crisis, will participate in the event at The Little Theatre Cinema.

The event, organized by Cornwall Climate Care, will screen three short films which address the impact of the climate crisis on young people, and on scientists increasingly concerned by the difficulties of cutting through misinformation, denial and hoax around the climate discussion. The films will be followed by a Q&A session with the expert panel and audience.

The #ClimateScam? film asks why so many people believe that the climate crisis is a hoax, despite increasingly devastating climate disasters featuring frequently on news and media. Watch the trailer for #ClimateScam? (41 mins, 12A).

In Climate Anxiety, young people, parents and professionals discuss their experiences of climate anxiety and how they deal with it.

Plan Z: From lab coats to handcuffs tells the story of a group of scientists, frustrated by the government ignoring evidence of climate breakdown, who turn to civil disobedience to warn the public themselves, risking arrest, a criminal record and their professional reputations. Watch the trailer for Plan Z (23 mins) here.

“These are the weightiest of issues, burdened by conspiracy theories, hoax and denial. I am delighted to be able to contribute to this discussion, and shed light on what makes even the most outlandish of conspiracy theories become ‘real’ for believers”, said Dr Tim Hill.

“This timely event brings into sharp focus the anxiety and issues faced by young people over the climate crisis and the need for adults to understand it from their perspective, individually and as a human rights crisis,” said Caroline Hickman.

The event takes place on Sunday 16 March at 4 pm at the Little Theatre Cinema in Bath.