How western society handles the transition from fossil fuels to alternatives is the discussion topic at the next meeting of Cafe Scientifique in Tauranga on Monday.

Keith Gordon, from the University of Otago, and Massey University's Luke Liu, will look at issues surrounding the burning of fossil fuels and the renewables that will inevitably have to replace them.

The use of solar panels will be just one of the topics discussed at the next Cafe Scientifique event on Monday. Photo: File.

Will there be a long transition period, with a mish-mash of renewables while the culture learns to harness the sun's energy efficiently, as plants have been doing for 3.5 billion years?

Is there even enough sunlight striking the earth to supply the increasing energy demands of up to nine billion humans?

Can renewable energy sources satisfy the extra load of a wholesale conversion to electric vehicles?Or would it be simpler just to filter the CO2 out of vehicle and other emissions instead?

What are the options likely to mean for more remote centres like Nelson, Napier, Whanganui, Tauranga, and oil and gas-producing New Plymouth?

The MacDiarmid Institute is supporting regional development with this series of public talks, organised in association with Cafe Scientifique, Tauranga.

When: Monday, July 20. 6.30pm for 7pm start.

Where: Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club, Sulphur Point, Tauranga.

Cost: Entry is $5 and refreshments are provided.