Southampton has a pivotal position in a new climate science journal with a project guided by local scientist Professor Ian Williams and assisted by actors Iona Johnson and Anna Harriott.

The journal, 'Civic Partners in Net Zero', was unveiled at the House of Commons on April 23.

Contributions from Professor Williams, Ms Johnson, and Ms Harriott comprised a part of 'Stories in the Dust', an innovative theatre show and workshop created to communicate climate science in an engaging manner to primary school children.

The show is expected to tour the UK later this year.

'Stories in the Dust' was among several projects from across the country highlighted in the newly released scientific paper.

The report includes a later comment from Professor AbuBakr Bahaj, the head of the Energy and Climate Change Division at the University of Southampton.

Daily Echo: Iona Johnson and Anna Harriott played a big role in the journal

Professor Bahaj said: "Local authorities are responsible for the planning and delivery of significant public services.

"Especially during recent periods of austerity that made it difficult to support internal scientific capacity in decision-making processes, it is imperative that universities step up to support such requirements.

"The report, as well as the University of Southampton’s Stories in the Dust project, are proof that cross-sector collaboration is key to addressing the challenges faced by citizens by helping to produce more informed and effective projects and policies that incorporate robust scientific evidence."

Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council, she said: "Engaging children to be ambassadors of change to influence adults, be that family, carers or theatre audiences, is an exciting step forward in working with communities.

"It creates a completely new way of talking about the need to change how we live our lives to address climate change and some of the ways we can do that."

The launch event was attended by both Ms Johnson and Ms Harriott in the capital.

The full document titled 'Civic Partners in Net Zero' is ready for the public to access.