The recent advancement of power generation technology has provided a new opportunity for coal. Through the progression of new technologies increasing power generation efficiency, alongside the development of safe capture and storage of carbon dioxide reducing emissions, the concept of ‘clean coal’ has emerged.

With reference to impartial information, analysis and research on all aspects of coal, Dr Lesley Sloss will explore some of the controversy behind 'clean coal' and its disputed future.

Free public lectures by Professor Carolyn Roberts, Frank Jackson Professor of the Environment and IES Vice President

The Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) presents Routes to Clean Air 2017, a two-day conference where air quality, public health and transport professionals share their experiences of improving traffic emissions. With a fantastic line-up of high profile speakers, this is an essential conference for air quality professionals, make sure you don't miss out. 

The fastest and most rewarding way to become a Chartered Environmentalist

Following on from our successful joint meeting in July 2015 this event will discuss the draft guidance prepared by a CIEEM/IAQM working group.

This will be particularly interesting given the recent court judegment on the relevance of the DMRB 1000 AADT screening criteria for local plans.

Speakers

The fastest and most rewarding way to become a Chartered Environmentalist

The IAQM Early Careers Group provides a forum to learn, practice presentation skills and network with other early career professionals, in a friendly, supportive and accessible environment. This will be the first of a regular series of mid-afternoon events, where early-career professionals can gain valuable experience in presenting to a moderately sized and supportive audience.

Attendance will count as CPD and will provide evidence of development when applying to upgrade from Associate to Member.

Before the General Election, there was a rare cross-party commitment to a 25 year Environment Plan. The Conservative Manifesto promised a ‘25 Year Plan to restore the UK’s biodiversity’. That election pledge was hard-won, following recommendations by the Natural Capital Committee and campaigning by NGOs.

The National Planning Policy Framework says that one of the roles of the planning system in sustainable development is:

“an environmental role – contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural resources prudently, minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate change including moving to a low carbon economy”

How well does the planning process protect and enhance the environment?

To date, international agreements on trade and climate change have tended to be negotiated in isolation. Yet rules in trade agreements have huge implications for governments’ ability to meet their climate change commitments. The Energy Charter Treaty, a deal which specifically covers investment in the energy sector - covering both fossil fuels and renewables - is perhaps the most obvious example. However, rules agreed at the World Trade Organisation and between countries are also impacting on government policy space to tackle climate change.