Engaging a Sustainable Surrey: The Community and COP26

What’s on offer?

With COP26 highlighting the rising prominence of the environment and sustainability on the political agenda, this collaborative event between the Centre for Environment and Sustainability and the Centre for Britain and Europe showcases cutting-edge research on climate action and the transitions needed for Net Zero and wider sustainability.

This event builds on recent county-wide policy commitments (Surrey County Council’s climate plan and Greener Surrey strategy; the new Surrey Climate Commission; the University’s Net Zero plans amongst others) to explore what it will take to engage the whole community of Surrey – citizens, businesses, public bodies and NGOs – in decisive action on the linked climate and nature crises. Drawing on expertise in policy, polling and community, the panel offer vital insights into policy implementation and public responsiveness. It emphasises the ongoing deep commitment the University of Surrey has to understanding societal impact and community leadership

What’s it about?

At a time when the UK is hosting a major global conference on Climate Change, COP26, this workshop aims to pick up on topics under discussion and includes a bitesize appraisal of what has been discussed, the salience of the UNCC and likely steps the Government will take going forward. The workshop is aimed at a wide section of the community including those actively engaged in the local environment, but crucially those who understand the roles and responsibilities of the local community in changing society. The audience will hear first-hand about research being undertaken by the Centre for Britain and Europe and the Centre for Environmental Studies, in vital areas of sustainability against a backdrop of local, national and international discussions on sustainability.

Who’s leading the event?

Event organisers:

Professor Amelia Hadfield, University of Surrey (Panel Chair)

Dr Alia Middleton, University of Surrey

Panel Speakers:

Professor Graham Miller - Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Professor of Sustainability in Business, University of Surrey

Katie Stewart - Executive Director for Environment Transport and Infrastructure, Surrey County Council

Philip Riley - Vice-President of The Basingstoke Canal Society

Dr Baris Celik - Teaching Fellow in European Politics, University of Surrey

Dr Erica Russell - Doctoral Practitioner, Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey

Will Hitt – Undergraduate Student and President of the Politics Society, University of Surrey

Open to

Anyone welcome.

Of particular interest to

Anyone interested in environment and sustainability.