Environment and Society Forum: Forthcoming Events

Tipping points: Public Perception and Policy

Evening Discussion Meeting
Tuesday 23 April 2013, 6.30-8.00pm (registration from 6.00pm)
Organised jointly with the Association for British Science Writers (ABSW)

When it comes to the consequences of climate change, few are more dramatic than tipping points, where seemingly small shifts trigger larger, often irreversible, changes. Scientists from many disciplines have been researching issues around sea level rises, ice melt and tipping points. But how does, and how should, their research influence policy? The Association of British Science Writers and Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) are bringing together a panel, including broadcasters, researchers and policymakers to discuss this question.

Speakers include:

• Jonathan Renouf, Executive Producer, BBC Science
• Professor Tim Lenton, Department of Geography, Exeter University 

Further details, including booking, for this free event, can be found on the Association for British Science Writers (ASBW) website

Putting a Price on the Priceless: Valuing Nature?
The importance of protecting and conserving our natural landscapes and ecology

Evening Discussion Meeting and Networking Reception
Tuesday 18th June, 6.45-9.30pm (registration from 6.00pm)
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR

Organised jointly by the British Ecological Society (BES) and the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

There is great interest amongst scientists, economists and policy-makers in the possibility of quantifying the value of the nature. Without putting a price, economic or otherwise, on natural assets, underpinning the delivery of life-support services (‘ecosystem services’) essential to humankind, so the argument goes, nature is ignored in decision-making, becoming ever-more degraded. But what difference is an emphasis on valuation making to the practical conservation of biodiversity and landscape management in the UK? How is valuation affecting business decisions and consumer choices? Is there the scientific evidence base to underpin these developments? And finally, is it moral to put a price on nature at all? Join us at this Question Time-style event to put your questions to our panel of experts. Speakers include:

• Professor Rosemary Hails CBE, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Member of the Natural Capital Committee, and Chair of the Natural Capital Initiative
• Dr Tom Crompton, Change Strategist, WWF-UK

Registration http://valuing-nature.eventbrite.com (open early April)

Price for students, members of either the BES or RGS-IBG £4.89 (£4.00 plus fee)
Non-members £9.13 (£8.00 plus fee).