Climate change expert and former British ambassador Arthur Snell will appear at the Wells Festival of Literature on Tuesday, 20 October, to discuss how the world can cope with a warming planet. His visit comes after a summer marked by wildfires, drought and other natural disasters around the world, as well as Somerset's first hosepipe ban in 50 years.

Snell has spent more than three decades studying the links between the earth's resources and relations between nations. His new book, Elemental, looks at how climate change could reshape societies, economies and international politics — and at how countries might adapt.

He argues that extreme weather and natural disasters, which have already affected millions of people, could increasingly contribute to food shortages and conflict. But he also believes the pressures created by a changing climate could drive innovation and create new ways of living.

The former diplomat has worked in conflict zones and fragile states across the Middle East and Africa. His appearance at the Wells Festival of Literature will explore how environmental pressures could alter global power structures and open opportunities for new technologies, economies and approaches to everyday life.

The Wells Festival of Literature runs from Friday, 16 October to Saturday, 24 October. General booking opens at 9.30 am on Monday, 24 August, with Snell's event taking place on Tuesday, 20 October.

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