Just Don't Waste! | In-person

When asked what individuals can do to help save the planet, Sir David Attenborough famously said: “Live the way you want to live but just don’t waste.”

This special event explores how Scotland, and the world, can respond to the five interlinked crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, food and water insecurity, and public health. Drawing on two landmark new reports from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the Nexus Assessment and the Transformative Change Assessment, we will hear from leading UK and international experts about tangible, systemic solutions for a sustainable future.

Keynote contributions from Ruth Davis OBE, UK Government’s Special Representative for Nature, and Gemma Harper OBE, CEO of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will frame an interactive panel discussion bringing together voices from government, academia, industry and youth leadership.

This is one of the first events of its kind in Scotland, and a chance to share ideas, collaborate across sectors and help shape the transformative changes needed to achieve a fair and sustainable future.

14.00 Introduction: Professor Roger Crofts FRSE, RSE Environment Convenor

14.05 Keynote opening speech: Ruth Davis OBE, UK Nature Special Representative

14.10 Tangible solutions to interconnected global crises and a sustainable future: Gemma Haper OBE, CEO, JNCC

14.30 Panel discussion drawing on five strands to the crisis

Abi Gardner, Youth-led 2050 Climate Group

Ruth Davis OBE, UK Government

Professor Pete Smith, IPBES Nexus Assessment

Professor Elise Cartmell FRSE, Zero Emissions Lead, Scottish Water

Professor Mat Williams, Chief Scientific Adviser, Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture , Scottish Government

15.20 Drawing the strands together – Professor Colin Galbraith FRSE, Chair, NatureScot

15.30 Event end

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+
• Please note that any personal data that is submitted to the RSE will be stored and processed in accordance with the RSE’s Privacy Policy. We will only use mobile numbers provided to contact you in the event of a cancellation.
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Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website: Accessibility - Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) : Royal Society of Edinburgh

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