Humanists UK is delighted to welcome two new patrons into the fold: science communicator and environmentalist Zion Lights [pictured, right], and climate change professor and writer Mark Maslin [pictured, left]. They join a stable of over 200 Humanists UK patrons with notable careers in arts, literature, science, academia, politics, and community and civic activism.
Zion Lights is a science communicator known for her environmental advocacy work. She is founder of the evidence-based climate activism group Emergency Reactor and author of The Ultimate Guide to Green Parenting. Zion has become a world-leading speaker on clean energy, specifically nuclear energy, and also lectures on effective science communication, tackling misinformation, and climate action. She is the former Editor of The Hourglass, Extinction Rebellion’s print newspaper, and was also a spokesperson for the group for two years.
Mark Maslin is a leading scientist with particular interest in understanding climate change and the major challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. He is a Professor of Earth System Science at UCL and the Natural History Museum of Denmark. He has published over 190 papers in journals such as Science, Nature, and The Lancet, regularly writes articles for publications including New Scientist, Independent, Guardian, Telegraph, New York Times, and The Conversation and has written ten books including Climate Change: A Very Short Introduction and his latest book How to Save Our Planet: the Facts. He regularly appears on radio and television, including BBC One David Attenborough’s Climate Change: the facts.
Commenting on Zion and Mark’s appointment, Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘We’re thrilled to welcome Zion Lights and Mark Maslin as the newest additions to our distinguished roster of Humanists UK patrons. Their outstanding contributions to science, environmental advocacy, and climate change research are making a profound impact on society and align seamlessly with the humanist values of reason, compassion, and the pursuit of a better world for all.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 020 3675 0959.
Humanists UK has over 200 patrons who support its work in various ways through their expertise and prominence in various fields. Existing patrons include significant figures from the spheres of science, philosophy, human rights activism, politics, the arts, and broadcasting. The President of Humanists UK is the geneticist, science writer, and broadcaster, Dr Adam Rutherford. He is supported by Vice Presidents Professor Alice Roberts, Shaparak Khorsandi, Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor AC Grayling, and Polly Toynbee.
Humanist Climate Action (HCA) is a volunteer-led network of Humanists UK members and supporters committed to redefining lifestyles and campaigning for policies that promote low-carbon, ethical, and sustainable living in the light of the degeneration of the Earth’s climate and biodiversity. HCA brings humanists together to facilitate individual and collective action on these issues.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.