Navigating the Perfect Storm

Policy Seminar and Reception on the international challenge of food, water and energy security.

• Thursday 9 February 2012, 4.30pm to 7.45pm

[NB: Also see details of our predecessor event "A perfect storm ahead: Geographical perspectives on food, water and energy security to 2030" which took place on 17 February 2011]

Joint partnership event with WWF-UK

Chaired by the Government Chief Scientist, Professor Sir John Beddington, this event explored the international challenge of food, water and energy security in the run up to the United Nations Rio +20 Conference on Sustainable Development. 

The interaction between food, water and energy security is one of the most pressing issues for the world, and is especially challenging for developing nations. It is a key theme for both the Society and the field of geography.

Introduction from the Chair: Professor Sir John Beddington, Government Chief Scientist.

Keynote speech: Ivan Lewis MP, Shadow International Development Secretary.

Presentations: Professor Bill Adams, Department of Geography (PDF), University of Cambridge and Dr Sejal Worah, Programmes Director (PDF), WWF India.

Panel led discussion, including Miguel Pestana, Vice-President, Global External Affairs at Unilever; Katie Critchlow, BigGreenChange; and Chris Whaley, Head of European and International Co-Ordination Division, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Slideshow of images and audio from the event

Please note that the audio is edited from that recorded, particularly the panel discussion and questions.

Other materials

Article on the event in the Ecologist 'Population is 'our biggest challenge' says government chief scientist Sir John Beddington" (14.02.12)

Blog article from the British Ecological Society (16.02.12)

Article on the event from attendee Professor Richard Tiffin, University of Reading (Global Food Security: 20.02.12)