The resources we use - and the systems of consumption and production that they are linked to - shape the state of the world around us.

Since the 2024 UK general election, the new Government's independent Circular Economy Taskforce has been working behind-the-scenes to support the creation of a Circular Economy Strategy in England, while efforts to improve resource use continue across the UK. Bringing together these splintered approaches will be fundamental to improving the country's economic and environmental sustainability.

This free online discussion event, hosted by the Institution of Environmental Sciences, will consider the key issues that the UK Government should prioritise in relation to waste and resources. The event will give IES members and the wider sector a chance to feed in to the IES's policy work and its influential 'Our Shared Mission' report.

Ahead of the event, a provocation paper outlining draft priorities will be shared with registrants to facilitate discussion.

Engaging with policy makers

During the five weeks of the 2024 general election period, the IES held seven discussion events with environmental scientists and other experts, aiming to identify the most pressing priorities for the next UK Government. More than 150 professionals attended the events, representing voices from industry, research, government, NGOs, and the wider sector.

The outcome of those discussions was 'Our Shared Mission for Sustainable Wellbeing: 2024-2029 priorities for the UK Government'. The report sets out key policy priorities for many areas of the environment. This event will provide an opportunity to add recommendations to the report around the crucial issues of resources and waste.

We are also holding an event on recommendations for biodiversity and nature.