Power to the People…Ending the reign of Fire

Thursday, 4th June 2026

CamSocTalks – Power to the People…Ending the reign of Fire

From the first controlled flames to the modern fossil-fuel economy, energy has defined the trajectory of civilisation. Yet the systems that powered global growth now sit at the centre of climate risk, economic dependence and international tension. This talk considers how emerging energy transitions could reshape society, politics and the distribution of power in the twenty-first century.

Note: Owing to our external booking we are not bound by the Club’s rules for formal attire – the dress code for this event is simply smart casual – the only stipulations are no ripped jeans, or sportswear.

About our speaker

Tom Heap is the co-presenter of the BBC Radio 4 environment series ‘Rare Earth’. He also presents the investigations on BBC 1’s ‘Countryfile’. His first book and accompanying podcast series ’39 Ways to Save the Planet’ is about available solutions to climate change. His second, ‘Landsmart’, reveals the characters who are solving land use challenges on a crowded Earth. He has also had a climate show on Sky News and presented many BBC Panoramas on energy and the environment. For many years he was a BBC News producer and correspondent. Outside of work he likes to ride bikes, grow tomatoes, watch movies and bodge carpentry.

The Evening

Guests can arrive from 6.15pm to meet for a drink and get comfortable before we move to our seating for the talk starting at 7pm sharp. The talk will be up to an hour and this will include the opportunity for audience questions. The talk will be finished by 8pm at which point we can move back to bar area for drinks and more conversation. There will be a cash bar before and after the talk.

The Venue

The Sovereigns’ Room, RAF Club, 128 Piccadilly, London W1J 7PY

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Cambridge Society of London Transfer and Refund Policy

i) At least 14 calendar days before the event: We will provide full refunds (minus any booking/transaction fees, which are nonrefundable). Alternatively, if you have found a suitable replacement, we can change the name on the ticket on the understanding that you will reclaim the ticket price from them separately.

ii) Between 4 and 14 calendar days before the event: Our arrangements with our hosts are always finalised 4 calendar days before each event. With more than 4 calendar days’ notice we can still change the name to someone named by you on the understanding that you will reclaim the ticket price from them separately. Alternatively, we MIGHT be able to sell it to someone else; there is no guarantee of that but we will do our best and then refund you if successful.

iii) Less than 4 calendar days: We regret that we cannot offer refunds if given less than 4 calendar days’ notice.