Name: Just Don't Waste! | In-person
Start: 2025-10-24T14:00:00+01:00
End: 2025-10-24T15:30:00+01:00
Location: The Royal Society Of Edinburgh

Finding Solutions to the Interlinked Crises in Biodiversity, Food, Water, Health and Climate Change
About this Event

When asked what individuals can do to help save the planet, Sir David Attenborough famously said: “Live the way you want to live but just don’t waste.”

This special event explores how Scotland, and the world, can respond to the five interlinked crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, food and water insecurity, and public health. Drawing on two landmark new reports from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the Nexus Assessment and the Transformative Change Assessment, we will hear from leading UK and international experts about tangible, systemic solutions for a sustainable future.

Keynote contributions from Ruth Davis OBE, UK Government’s Special Representative for Nature, and Gemma Harper OBE, CEO of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will frame an interactive panel discussion bringing together voices from government, academia, industry and youth leadership.

This is one of the first events of its kind in Scotland, and a chance to share ideas, collaborate across sectors and help shape the transformative changes needed to achieve a fair and sustainable future.

14.00 Introduction: Professor Roger Crofts FRSE, RSE Environment Convenor

14.05 Keynote opening speech: Ruth Davis OBE, UK Nature Special Representative

14.10 Tangible solutions to interconnected global crises and a sustainable future: Gemma Harper OBE, CEO, JNCC

14.30 Panel discussion drawing on five strands to the crisis

Abi Gardner, Youth-led 2050 Climate Group

Ruth Davis OBE, UK Government

Professor Pete Smith, IPBES Nexus Assessment

Professor Elise Cartmell FRSE, Zero Emissions Lead, Scottish Water

Professor Mat Williams, Chief Scientific Adviser, Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture , Scottish Government

15.20 Drawing the strands together – Professor Colin Galbraith FRSE, Chair, NatureScot

15.30 Event end

Important points to note

This event is suitable for age 16+
Please note that any personal data that is submitted to the RSE will be stored and processed in accordance with the RSE’s Privacy Policy. We will only use mobile numbers provided to contact you in the event of a cancellation.
Livestreaming and photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed. Recorded events will be made available on the RSE YouTube channel.
Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.
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Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact [email protected]. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website: Accessibility - Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) : Royal Society of Edinburgh

The RSE is trialling the for our public events. This app enables visitors with accessibility needs to discreetly inform our staff of any assistance required before their visit. Simply fill out a quick form with your needs and estimated arrival time, and our team will be ready to accommodate you.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Public Engagement team on [email protected]