Nature under the hammer | In-person

How much investment is really needed to tackle the climate and nature crises – and where will that funding come from? And what does effective investment look like when it comes to delivering benefits for both people and the planet?

This panel debate explores how funding is currently flowing into nature and climate solutions, leaning on real-world examples from land use, forestry, marine systems, and renewable energy. Drawing on expert insights, we’ll look at what combinations of public and private finance have worked, what kinds of returns are being delivered, and where the risks and trade-offs lie.

We’ll also explore how to mobilise smaller-scale, community-led, or in-kind investments, and how to avoid common pitfalls like greenwashing, unreliable offsets, and double-counting. Could Transition principles unlock more trustworthy, long-term investment? Join us for this event to find out more.

Can't attend in-person? Watch online!

This is a hybrid event. This event page is for the in-person tickets only. If you would like to attend online, please book your tickets through the online (livestreamed) event page.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+

• Filming: Livestreaming and photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed. Recorded events will be made available on the RSE YouTube channel.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

SPEAKER

Professor James Curran MBE FRSE

Independent

James Curran began his career as a researcher in meteorology, hydrology, and oceanography before serving as Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency until 2015. He later ran an eco-business, chaired the James Hutton Institute, and served on the board of the Green Purposes Company. He has also advised the Isle of Man Government on climate strategy. Currently, he is a Visiting Professor at the Centre for Sustainable Development at the University of Strathclyde and Chair of Scottish Environment.

SPEAKER

Satwat Rehman

Chief Executive, One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS)

Satwat Rehman is the Chief Executive of One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS). OPFS is the leading charity working with single parent families in Scotland providing expert advice, practical support and campaigning with parents to make their voices heard to change the systems, policies and attitudes that disadvantage single parent families. She has more than 30 years’ experience in the voluntary and public sector in Scotland and England, working in the fields of equalities, education, employability, economic development/regeneration and early years and childcare. Since joining OPFS in 2011, Satwat has been a member of several commissions and advisory groups including the First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls and the Scottish Government’s Social Renewal Advisory Board. She is on the boards of Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland and Child Poverty Action Group (UK).

SPEAKER

Matthew Crighton

Sustainable Economy Adviser, Friends of the Earth Scotland

Matthew Crighton is Sustainable Economy Adviser for Friends of the Earth Scotland. He set up the Just Transition Partnership with the Scottish Trades Union Congress in 2016 and has been Convenor of the Economics Group of Scottish Environment Link since 2013.

SPEAKER

Peter Young

Independent trustee, chair and advisor

Peter is a seasoned environmentalist, currently acting as an independent trustee, chair and advisor. Peter spent 35 years working in the private sector on environmental issues. He has sat on various UK Government and independent bodies concerned with environmental regulation, environmental markets, voluntary standards and investment in nature. Internationally, he was the founding chair of the International Organization for Standardization Committee on Sustainable Finance (ISO/TC322) and was an advisor to the European and Irish Environment Agencies. He co-founded two business-led campaigning organisations - the Aldersgate Group which he formerly chaired, and the Broadway Initiative which he currently chairs.

CHAIR

Professor Camilla Toulmin FRSE

Senior Associate, International Institute for Environment and Development

Camilla Toulmin is an economist with over four decades of experience working on environment and development, with a particular focus on African agriculture, land rights, climate change, and energy systems. Her most recent book, Land, Investment and Migration: Thirty-five years of village life in Mali, was published by Oxford University Press in 2020. She is currently a Senior Fellow at the Africa-Europe Foundation and a Senior Associate at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), working on agri-food systems and energy transitions. She is also a trustee of Little Sparta, the garden of Ian Hamilton Finlay.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 6 − Saturday 14 September 2025!

Curious is a festival of ideas – open to all and driven by connection, conversation, and discovery. It’s a chance to explore ideas and questions that matter with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers – and with people who bring their own lived experiences, insights, and curiosity to the table.

From science and society to arts and innovation, the programme spans a wide range of topics – with each event designed to spark dialogue, invite different perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Curious is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, plus those who see the world differently, and be part of discussions where everyone is welcome to share, learn, and be inspired. Full programme of events here.

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

The RSE is trialling the WelcoMe app for our public events. This app enables visitors with accessibility needs to discreetly inform our staff of any assistance required before their visit. Simply fill out a quick form with your needs and estimated arrival time, and our team will be ready to accommodate you.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.

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