Biodiversity loss and climate change are intricately linked, and it is widely acknowledged that action is needed to develop holistic, multifunctional solutions to both challenges. Nature-based solutions are a key way to support both climate mitigation and adaptation, and tackle other key environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, water resources management, land management and agriculture.  

Our speakers will deliver lightning presentations which will cover a range of topics, including how biodiversity loss and climate change can be considered together, the role of nature-based solutions, and key considerations for how we develop solutions that are resilient to a changing climate. After the presentations, attendees will have the chance to put questions to the speakers.

This event has been organised by the Institution of Environmental Sciences’ Climate Action Community, and will be chaired by a representative from the Community. The Climate Action Community champions a transformative approach to reshaping unsustainable systems, focused on addressing the interlinked challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The Community brings together environmental professionals from across specialisms to promote the work of experts and evidence around climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience. 

This event is free and open to all.

Our speakers

Akshatha Veerendra will be Chairing the discussion. Akshatha (Aks) is the Head of Sustainability at MZA drawing on two decades of experience in energy and environmental management. As a full member of the Institution of Environmental Science (IES) and a multi-accredited professional (BREEAM, WELL, Fitwell), she demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainable practices. Aks has recently been appointed as a Climate Action Community Steering Group member working collaboratively with IES staff to deliver the annual Community workplan. Her academic credentials, including a Master’s in Forest Ecology and Management from the University of Edinburgh and specialized training in Sustainable Finance from Cambridge University, underpin her strategic vision. Aks has delivered impactful sustainability strategies for landmark projects, including HS2, London City Airport and significant government contracts such as Ministry of Justice (MOJ) with her sustainability projects earning multiple award nominations. Recognized for her expertise, she has been a guest speaker on industry podcasts and at educational institutions such as the prestigious Cambridge University of Sustainability leadership and Harrow Boys School in London. Her insights on health and wellbeing were featured in Raconteur Magazine. Committed to wider societal impact, Aks is a dedicated STEM ambassador, actively supporting a crucial research study programme by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Department of Economics and WISE which addresses a critical issue where some students may have less access to informal advice and support for their university applications, which can exacerbate socioeconomic disparities in access to higher education. 

Linsey Mortimer is Principal Nature & Climate Consultant at Frontierra, an environmental geospatial consultancy supporting financial institutions and corporations to assess nature- and climate-related issues. She is also a Sustainability Specialist at Green Arch Consulting, advising clients on ESG strategy and net zero planning. She has seven years of experience in the consulting and investment management industries. Linsey holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation from CFA Institute, a Diploma in Investment Management with ESG from CFA UK, and a BSc in Marine Biology from the University of Aberdeen.

Mark Southwood founded Temple Group (Environmental and Planning Consultancy) in 1997 and has over 35 years experience working in the environmental/sustainability sector. In 2018, Mark set up the Southwood Foundation (now a Registered Charity) convening action around climate change and biodiversity through nature recovery and restoration. Mark has served on numerous Professional Institutes and European Committees/Working Groups on transport, the environment and related topics and contributed to EU and Government Environmental Action Programmes and policy. Outside Temple Group, Mark has worked with a range of NGOs at Board level including CIRIA (Ceequal), SECBE, and NERC. Mark holds an MBA, MSc and BSc (Hons).

Alison Smith is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Oxford, working across the Environmental Change Institute, the Nature-based Solutions Initiative and the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery. Having previously worked for over 15 years as a climate and energy policy consultant, she now has a strong interest in the intersection between climate and nature policy. She works with practitioners and policymakers to map and assess opportunities for nature recovery and nature-based solutions, and she also models the impacts of different land-use strategies on climate and nature goals.  

More speakers TBA!

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