People want a better "new normal." This is reflected in the popularity of "putting nature at the heart of economic rebuilding" but some governments are actually rolling back existing environmental protections to privilege economic growth.
Will "jobs vs environment" be a legitimate way to explore the challenge of rebuilding economies when, in reality, we don’t have a choice but to preserve the planet we inhabit?
Two reports published in July: the first, "The Future of Nature and Business," from the World Economic Forum identifies what system transitions are needed to move towards a nature-positive economy and how businesses can be part of the solution.
The second is from the International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO) which examines the importance of accuracy in language and narrative and how this contributes to or distorts our understanding of planetary health and its connection to human wellbeing.
Can we really decouple planetary health from economic recovery and present it as a choice—planet or people?
If we really are going to be and do different, we need to communicate in different ways.
This event was kindly supported by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK) whose fundamental purpose is to improve the quality of life for all throughout art, charity, science and education. The Foundation is committed to the future, to those most vulnerable, and to the value of culture.
Speakers included:
Tom Clark - Editor, Prospect
Alan Rusbridger - Principal of Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford and Former Editor of the Guardian
Akanksha Khatri - Head of Nature Action Agenda, World Economic Forum and co-author of the report
Andrew Barnett - CEO, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK)
Professor Dan Laffoley - Marine Scientist and IPSO report author
Natalie Nougayrede - Former Editor of Le Monde and Guardian columnist
Torsten Thiele - LSE and Potsdam Institute and Founder of the Global Ocean Trust
Adrian Monck - Head of Public Affairs, WEF
Duncan Weldon - Britain Economics correspondent, The Economist
