Our Future Planet review ★★★★★

If you watched David Attenborough’s latest documentary and were left in despair at the irreversible damage global warming is inflicting on the planet, then you should go and see Our Future Planet at the Science Museum.

For its grand reopening, the museum's new inspiring exhibition invites us to understand how technologies can now help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon dioxide is essential to life on Earth but over the last century, industrialisation has increased levels of it in the atmosphere with devastating impacts. Alongside efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, scientists have been racing to develop different technologies to remove and store excess carbon dioxide – the most significant cause of climate change.

Our Future Planet showcases some of the incredible technologies being currently developed.

Perhaps the most spectacular one is the giant mechanical tree prototype. Inspired by nature, it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air; 12 trees being able to absorb the amount of carbon dioxide produced by 44 average homes. While not as efficient as real trees, mechanical trees can help and can also be positioned in places where trees can't grow.

Once the carbon dioxide has been captured, it can be stored and converted into usable objects. In fact, you can now brush your teeth with factory emissions, thanks to recycled carbon dioxide toothpaste. We were also very tempted to purchase a yoga mat and a bottle of vodka made of recycled carbon dioxide but sadly they're not yet available at the Science Museum shop.

This exhibition, while quite small, offers an optimistic message about technology and climate change and leaves us informed and inspired.

Worth visiting with children aged 8+.