Dr Paul Behrens

Keynote Speaker

Dr Paul Behrens's Biography

Paul Behrens (UK) is an author and Associate Professor at Leiden University. His popular science book, The Best of Times, The Worst of Times: Futures from the Frontiers of Climate Science (Indigo Press, 2020) describes humanity’s current trajectory and possible futures in paired chapters of pessimism and hope, on topics including the economy, energy, land and food.

He outlines just how much is to be done to achieve a hopeful future, but how this scenario would involve actively building a healthier, happier and more fulfilling world.

His research and writing focuses on the areas causing most of the problems: energy, food and economic systems. His research and writing has appeared in scientific journals and media outlets such as the BBC, Thomson Reuters, Politico, Nature Sustainability, Nature Energy, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Nature Food and Nature Communications.