In November 2021, representatives from almost 200 countries gathered at COP26 in Glasgow to determine the fate of our planet. There was anticipation that agreements would be reached on global carbon trading, new pledges would be promised for methane gas emissions and there would be decisions on climate financing and support for developing countries. Yet the results were average at best. The agreement “reflects the interests, the contradictions and the state of political will in the world today,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “It is an important step, but is not enough.”

What went wrong? And what are the radical steps that are needed now?

Acclaimed broadcaster, journalist and former BBC Science Editor David Shukman alongside a panel of special guests to explore these questions, and the burning environmental issues of our day.

Presented in partnership with Frontline Online and in collaboration with Conduit Member Luke Douglas-Home, Founder and MD of Clear Public Space.

Moderator:

David Shukman is an acclaimed broadcaster, journalist and former BBC Science Editor. He is acclaimed for his innovative reporting of environmental issues from the front lines of global change. David became the BBC’s first ever Science Editor in 2012, a position he held until stepping down at the end of COP26 in Glasgow. Drawing on his experiences reporting at the forefront of global affairs, his books include ‘Reporting Live from the End of the World’, ‘An Iceberg as Big as Manhattan’ and ‘All Necessary Means:Inside the Gulf War’.

Speakers:

Farhana Yamin is an internationally recognised environmental lawyer, climate change and development policy expert. She has advised leaders and ministers on climate negotiations for 30 years, representing small islands and developing countries and attending nearly every major climate summit since 1991.In addition to founding Track 0, she is a senior advisor to SYSTEMIQ and an FRSA. She was voted number two on the 2020 BBC’s Power List with the judges describing her as a ‘powerhouse of climate justice’ and is active in numerous community-based social initiatives in Camden.

Paul Ekins is Professor of Resources and Environmental Policy and Director of the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources at University College London. From 2004-2019 he was a Co-Director of the UK Energy Research Centre. He was a Member of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution from 2002-2008. Dr Ekins has published widely on the conditions and policies needed for achieving an environmentally sustainable economy. He also has extensive experience consulting for business, government and international organizations.

Patrick Holden is the founding director of the Sustainable Food Trust, working internationally to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable food systems. He was the founding chairman of British Organic Farmers in 1982, before joining the Soil Association, where he worked for nearly 20 years and during which time the organisation led the development of organic standards and the market for organic foods. He is Patron of the UK Biodynamic Association and was awarded the CBE for services to organic farming in 2005. Patrick is passionate about the application of Nature’s principles of Harmony to food and farming, which is explored in the SFT’s latest initiative, The Harmony Project.

Jeevan Vasagar is Environment Editor at The Bureau of Investigative Journalism. He is a journalist and author, specialising in public policy and the relationship between business and politics. His book Lion City: Singapore and the Invention of Modern Asia is published by Little, Brown. From 2015 to 2017, he was Singapore and Malaysia correspondent for the Financial Times. Before that he was the FT’s Berlin correspondent. He spent 12 years at the Guardian, in a range of roles including news editor, education editor and East Africa correspondent. His freelance writing has appeared in the Economist, the LA Times and the New Statesman.

Dr Shailaja Fennell is Director of Research at Cambridge Central Asia Forum and a University Lecturer in Development Studies. She is also a Fellow of Jesus College at the University of Cambridge. Since 2004, Dr. Fennell has been researching the linkages between rural development, environmental and educational strategies in India, China and Central Asia. She has specialised in the sub-fields of institutional reform, rural development, gender and household dynamics, kinship and ethnicity, and educational provision.

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