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Scotland to host inaugural environmental solutions summit

The Scottish public are invited to join groundbreaking discussions on tackling environmental crises, when leading UK and international experts convene in Edinburgh this month, organised by the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), JNCC, NatureScot and Scottish Government.

  • Leading experts gather to tackle five interconnected global crises affecting biodiversity, climate, food, water and health
  • First event of its kind in Scotland brings together government, academia, industry and youth voices
  • Interactive discussions based on major new international reports offer practical pathways to sustainable future

The ‘Just Don’t Waste‘ event on 24 October will explore practical solutions to the five interlinked crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, food and water insecurity, and public health threats. Drawing on two major new reports from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the summit will showcase tangible approaches for creating a sustainable future.

Ruth Davis OBE, the UK Government’s Special Representative for Nature, and Gemma Harper OBE, CEO of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will deliver keynote presentations. Their contributions will frame interactive panel discussions bringing together voices from government, agencies, business and youth leadership.

The free event centres on findings from the ‘Nexus Assessment’, developed by 165 experts from 57 countries over three years. This research demonstrates that tackling environmental challenges in isolation wastes resources and fails to deliver results.

The assessment outlines more than 70 potential responses for managing biodiversity, climate and sustainability goals together. It focuses on sustainable production and consumption alongside ecosystem conservation and climate action.

A second report, the ‘Transformative Change Assessment’, highlights the need for fundamental shifts in how society interacts with nature. Created by 101 experts from 42 countries, it provides roadmaps for accelerating positive change.

The Edinburgh event takes place from 14:00 to 15:30 at the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ. It offers a key opportunity to discuss cross-sector collaboration on solutions to environmental challenges affecting communities across Scotland and beyond. In-person and online places for Just Don’t Waste can be booked through the RSE’s Eventbrite page.

Professor Roger Crofts FRSE, Convenor Community of Interest on Environment, Royal Society of Edinburgh

Professor Roger Crofts FRSE, Convenor of the RSE’s Environment Community of Interest, said: “Taking action to tackle some of the biggest environmental challenges facing our planet and people is a critical responsibility for all of us who have a role in seeking practical and implementable solutions.  If we do not act, these five crises will continue to worsen, making the lives and livelihoods of many millions of people in communities across the world almost impossible.

“This inaugural summit will convene a range of voices to discuss a more sustainable future for all of us through strong collaboration and a shared commitment in identifying practical solutions to the crises.”