April connect
Social and community news from IEMA.
Futurebuild: Enhancing the environment post-Brexit
The recent Futurebuild event saw IEMA's Martin Baxter involved in a panel conversation on the Environment Act
IEMA's chief policy advisor Martin Baxter described the upcoming Environment Act as the start of the UK's “environmental constitution“ in 'The Environment Challenge: How can we enhancethe environment in a post-Brexit world?' talk at the Futurebuild 2019 event in London.
He said the country could go above and beyond EU standards, highlighting how regulation has lost its focus and become “flabby“ thanks to 28 member states each throwing in their own ideas – but warned that political parties must not be able to rip up targets from previous governments as they see fit and treat the environment like a “political football“.
Baxter also stressed the need for overarching objectives, and said that the proposed framework for environmental principles has so many holes it “looks more like a colander“ than a comprehensive way to improve the environment.
“What we need is a durablesystem of environmental governance that is predictable for private and public sector investment, so we don't end up heading off in a different direction with a change of government or minister,“ he said.
Baxter went on to say that any framework must have “legal teeth“, set a clear direction for future governments and contain “galvanising statements“ – something the current draft of the Environment Bill is lacking.
Moreover, he highlighted the need for environmental improvement plans to be seen from a local level, and not just from a national perspective as the government's 25-Year Environment Plan does.
“Understanding how we relate local priorities is crucial for a bottom-up approach, democratising the environment far more so communities contribute to the achievement of national targets,“ he added.
Rewilding – a solution for climate change?
This conference, hosted by Climate Action North East, will examine how rewilding could help in the fight against habitat degradation and climate change
Celebrate World Environment Day on 5 June 2019 at this event hosted by Climate Action North East and sponsored by Resilient Business Systems.
We explore how rewilding can help restore ecosystems and tackle climate change. Speakers include Blue Planet cameraman and award-winning photographer Doug Allan, and Rewilding Britain specialist advisor Professor Alastair Driver.
Climate North East Action managing director Sharon Lashley said: “There's growing interest in rewilding in Britain, and it's important that we work to find understanding and take action to create ways of living that not only restores the natural world but also our prospects for a sustainable, safe and prosperous world.“
Doug Allan said: “I'll be covering successes and setbacks in my presentation through my own personal experiences exploring the challenges of climate change. I've learned to balance climate reality with climate optimism and, most importantly, to realise that everyone has to be working together to inspire a change of direction.“
The conference also welcomes speakers: Isabella Tree, co-owner of the Knepp Estate and author of Wilding; David Hetherington, author of The Lynx and Us; Sacha Dench, conservationist, adventurer and motivational speaker; and Professor Chris Stokes, glacier specialist and researcher. It will be chaired by Mike Pratt, the CEO of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
The conference will be held,at the Newcastle Gateshead Marriott Hotel. Tickets cost £55 plus booking fee.
To register, visit bit.ly/2VUXMn1
What's on this month?
Conference: Sustainability Business Conference 2019
12 April 2019
This one-day conference looks at how to futureproof your organisation. We will look at how a sustainability strategy can enable you to capitalise on opportunities, demonstrate purpose, build brand reputation, and understand why customers reward more sustainable companies.
To register: bit.ly/2GsEYbc
Webinar: Review of the report of the independent review of the UK Modern Slavery Act
16 April 2019
Are you involved in procurement, your organisation's Modern Slavery Statement or maintaining your organisation's management system? In this webinar, we'll be joined by Baroness Young of Hornsey and Paul Gerrard (FIEMA) as we discuss the key recommendations set out in the final report.
To register: bit.ly/2TA3IFh
Webinar: Task force on climate related financial disclosures: Introduction and perspectives for our professions
25 April 2019
In this joint webinar between IEMA and the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, you will hear from Steve Waygood, an industry leader and member of the TCFD, as well as Paul Pritchard and Louise Pryor – two leading practitioners from the environmental sustainability and actuarial professions.
To register: bit.ly/2Hh2E2u
Online exclusive: Millennials call for environmental leadership post-Brexit
IEMA Futures chair Hannah Lesbirel reports on the key takeaways from the group's recent 'Brexit: What does it mean for the environment?' event, which was chaired by IEMA chief policy advisor Martin Baxter.
Read it at bit.ly/futures_brexit
See more at iema.net/events