In competition or collaboration? Nature and net zero

Going ‘green’ is often thought of in the same context – less emissions and mitigated environmental damage. But the two don’t always go hand in hand. The mineral extraction for EV batteries, or damming of rivers for hydropower, can both have adverse effects on the natural environment. In this event, we discuss the contention between nature and net zero, and debate whether they are in fact in competition with each other or collaboration.

Key speakers:

– Tony Juniper CBE, Chair, Natural England
– Mike Thompson, Chief Economist and Director of Analysis, Committee on Climate Change
– Kelly Ann Naylor, Vice-Chair, UN Water
– Torgny Holmgren, Executive Director, Stockholm International Water Institute
– Ronan Palmer, Associate Director of Clean Economy, E3G
– Professor Tom Stephenson, Professor of Water Sciences, Cranfield University
– Christine McGourty, Chief Executive, Water UK
– Ryan Shorthouse, Chief Executive, Bright Blue (Chair)

Key questions:

– Is there too much emphasis being placed on technology-based rather than nature-based solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change?
– Do technology-based solutions to climate change always have a negative impact on biodiversity?
– What are the key strengths and limitations of nature-based solutions to climate change?
– Should solutions to climate change which have a negative impact on nature simply be ignored?
– Which technology- and nature-based solutions have had the best economic and ecological value?
– What role can and does UK water play in both worsening and mitigating climate change?
– Will the upscaling of hydrogen production in the UK exacerbate stresses to the water supply?

This event is online only.