Our lives depend on the four elements – water, air, fire (energy) and earth (soil and land). Human activity is having a significant impact on all four – our choice of energy supply has led to the present climate emergency; our disregard for ‘earth’ and the ecosystems on which we depend through deforestation and increasingly industrialised farming methods has led to the present ecological emergency and the increased risk of pandemics; our assumption that water is free and limitless has encouraged us to develop in parts of the world and also in those parts of the UK which are most water challenged and a cavalier attitude to protecting water quality – only 14% of our rivers are ecologically sound - and the way that we manage water is energy-intensive; we have ignored air quality in our cities to the point where unnecessary numbers of people are dying as a result. Time for a reality check?
First energy – we know that we must achieve net-zero carbon by 2050 which, in effect, means taking significant action by 2030. We have to decarbonise supply and reduce demand. How much are our future energy sources influenced by vested interests? How do we ensure that the best long term decisions are made?
Secondly, water – we have to protect the resource and accommodate ourselves to its limits and forget unrealistic ambitions to move water from one part of the country to another.
Thirdly, air – this will not be completely resolved by moving from the combustion engine to electric vehicles.
Fourthly, we need to recognise the need to keep our soils healthy for greater food security, but also to value soil and not make good agricultural land compete with development.
How should the ‘elements’ respond to our 3 questions on i) what are we learning from our time of lockdown and beyond to change both as individuals and professionals? ii) What do we keep and what do we change in the industry? iii) If we embrace change, what is our vision for the future? If we don’t, what are the risks?
Hear the following talks from our speakers:
Chair: Peter Head
Reality check on energy – Tadj Oreszczyn
Reality check on water – Allan Simpson
Reality check on air quality – William Bloss
Reality check on soil – Ellen Fay
This will be followed by a live Q&A session, where you can pose your questions to our experts.
In partnership with Futurebuild UK.