The fossil fuelled Industrial Revolution started in the Derwent Valley. Derby and the wider region continues to be a leading force in manufacturing with a cluster of companies with global reach and reputation.

As Derwent valley clockmakers for the last 250 years or so they cut the gears that enabled a global transformation of the climate. As a writer and academic thats worked on climate change for decades Ill share my reflections on the moment were in, the transformations ahead, and the critical role of entrepreneurship, business, and imagination, in helping humanity to a better place.

"Im only half joking when I note that you couldnt have transformed the planet over the last couple of hundred years without my relatives."

Joe is Director of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS). He is also a fifth-generation Director of Smith of Derby Ltd., a 160-year-old public clock making company that continues to design and make new commissions all over the world, and looks after 4500 sites across the UK. Prior to the RGS role he was Professor of Environment and Society and head of geography at the Open University.

This is an exclusive event for members of the Derby Museums Business Network.