Hello and welcome to another edition of Transform magazine.
It has been another period of severe weather across the world. Pakistan, where temperatures reached 54°C earlier this year, has been devastated by floods in recent weeks, with some estimates suggesting that a third of the country is under floodwater. Europe, the US and Australia have seen heatwaves, floods and, in some cases, both sequentially – underlining the need to take urgent international action on mitigating and adapting to climate change.
Tying in with the UN COP27 climate talks taking place in Egypt later this year, in this issue we have several articles on the Middle East and North Africa region, examining how it is considering and delivering sustainability. On page 18, Chris Seekings speaks to IEMA Fellows and other experts in the region about the challenges and opportunities that will come with the spotlight of COP27. On page 21, Huw Morris considers the effects of extreme weather on the Maghreb region, and the action needed to return it to sustainability.
One of the joys of being CEO of IEMA is the fabulous conversations I get to have with members. I have been given fascinating insights into the connections between design, planning, construction, health and the environment, and read with great interest Mark Cope’s page 26 article on the links between these areas, and how a host of health and environmental benefits can follow if the design of a community is right. I am sure you will find it as interesting as I did.
“One of the joys of being CEO of IEMA is the fabulous conversations I get to have with members”
As you know, IEMA has been working with members through our Diverse Sustainability Initiative to increase access to the profession for those from marginalised communities. One of the greatest supporters of this work is Jamie Agombar of Students Organising for Sustainability UK. He is a passionate advocate for better teaching and understanding of sustainability through education issues, and I’m delighted that he is sharing his thoughts with us on page 14.
As always, we welcome your thoughts and ideas for articles – please do get in touch if you would like to see something covered! Until next time, I hope you have a productive couple of months.
Sarah Mukherjee MBE, CEO, IEMA
