World leaders and their governments have been meeting in Glasgow to find ways to keep global warming in check. However, turning political commitments into reality needs innovations in how we produce, store and use energy, how we manage our countryside so nature can do its bit, as well as deeper understanding of the consequences of climate change.

The #SmallNationsBigIdeas video series launched as part of COP Cymru and Wales Climate Week, showcasing research and innovation from across Wales which is actively tackling climate change.

I knew there was great stuff going on in Welsh universities but working on this series has blown my mind.

One stand-out example is Charlie Dunnill’s video using an exercise bike to show how hydrogen-a key green fuel of the future- can store clean energy. If you want a quick introduction to the diversity and novelty of the science happening in Wales (and the personalities behind it), do watch some of the videos

Professor Julia Jones, Bangor University Professor of Conservation Science and Director of the Low Carbon Energy and Environment

The#SmallNationsBigIdeas video series showcases how researchers in Wales are helping to tackle or adapt to global climate change issues. The series comprises over 40 videos including:

• Professor Iain Donnison (Aberystwyth University) explains how a tropical grass which can grow on Welsh farms could produce electricity whilst removing carbon from the atmosphere.
• Dr Aisha Bello-Dambatta (Bangor University) shows how most of the energy we use to heat our water is flushed down the drain, and how that could be recovered.
• Dr Jenny Baker (Swansea University) explains how her work is helping to reduce the environmental impact of battery manufacture.
• Dr Muditha Abeysekera (Cardiff University) explains how his research is helping the public sector to make more of their existing assets and improve energy efficiency through energy management.
• Professor Dave Chadwick, Emily Cooledge, Dr Karina Marsden (Bangor University) explain innovative ways in which the impacts of livestock farming in Wales can be reduced.

Wales has often been described as a nation which is small enough to get things done but big enough to make a difference and I think that is true of our environmental innovation and climate science research. From green steel development to regenerative farming, every sector in Wales is doing its bit to help us meet Net Zero, and then take emissions negative. These videos introduce some of the Welsh scientists and engineers who are working to achieve that.

Professor Mary Gagen, Swansea University, who through Swansea University Science for Schools Scheme has produced several Small Nations Big Ideas videos

Some tasters of these videos have already been shown as part of the COP26 Regional Roadshows.  The main exposure for the videos will be used to put science at the heart of Wales Climate Week which runs from 22^nd to 26^th November. You can register for the exciting series of events on the COP Cymru website.