Handling complexity in environmental policy

Environmental systems are complex, yet policy conversations often gravitate towards simplicity. Ultimately, we can't hide from complexity when we make decisions about how to address environmental challenges.

With that in mind, our latest IES policy panel discussion will tackle the idea of complexity head on. We have a panel of three experts ready to give their perspectives on how to handle complexity in environmental policy, with insights into the science of complexity, integrated approaches to tackling issues like clean air and climate change, and how to make a complex issue like historic land contamination accessible to non-expert decision makers.

The discussion will open with three 'lightning presentations', setting us up for cross-discussion between the speakers and a Q&A with audience members. If you want to learn more about how to handle complexity, this is the webinar for you. There will be something for everyone, from expert policy influencers looking to hone their skills, all the way to early career professionals taking their first voyage into the world of complex environmental outcomes or policy engagement.

For an early look at the world of complexity ahead of the event, Professor Gary Kass has produced a 'quick start' guide to complexity in policy.

Agenda

• 12.00-12.05: Welcome and introductions
• 12.05-12.35: Opening presentations from three speakers
• 12.35-13.05: Panel discussion and Q&A
• 13.05-13.15: Closing statements and next steps

Presentations will include

• An introduction to the science of complexity, and what it means for environmental policy
• How integrated approaches can support policy making in complex areas
• Ellie Savage: A case study on communicating complex land contamination issues for UK policy makers

Our speakers

Gary Kass

Gary has been a researcher, knowledge broker, educator and consultant since 1986, working with organisations in the private, public and third sectors across the UK, Europe and internationally. 

He has concentrated on environmental and sustainability science, strategy and policy; particularly on strengthening underpinning capabilities for transformative change, including systems and futures thinking.  He has held senior roles in the UK Public Sector including as Head of the Environment and Energy Programme at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, Head of Public Engagement with Science, Engineering and Technology at the (then) Department of Trade and Industry, Deputy Director for Foresight, Systems and Innovation at Natural England.  

Gary is a Visiting Professor at Imperial College and the University of Nottingham and an End-Point Assessor for the Masters-level Systems Thinking Practitioner and Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeships. He is Chair of the External Policy Advisory Committee at the Institution of Environmental Sciences - the global professional body for environmental scientists, and is a Certified Member of Systems and Complexity in Organisation, the professional body for systems thinking practitioners.

Gary has served on numerous advisory boards – most recently, the Royal Academy of Engineering National Engineering Policy Centre Climate and Sustainability Community of Interest.

Adam Brighty

Adam is a postdoctoral research associate at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London. His research focusses on understanding the potential co-benefits of the UK's net zero policies on air pollution and public health using integrated assessment modelling. Adam's work and the wider work within the research group requires significant collaboration with a host of UK Government departments, including Defra, DESNZ, and DfT.

Ellie Savage

Ellie joined the IES in 2023 and is responsible for supporting the work of the IES’s Environmental Policy Implementation Community (EPIC). Before joining the IES, Ellie led on local government policy and research at a climate change and democratic engagement charity. She has a BA in Politics and Economics from the University of Sheffield. Ellie will be presenting a case study on communicating complex land contamination issues for UK policy makers, building on the work of the National Contaminated Land Officers' Group (NCLOG).

Chair: Joseph Lewis

Joseph is Head of Policy at the IES and will be chairing this panel discussion to help get the most out of the expertise of our speakers. Joseph leads the delivery of the IES Policy Programme, standing up for the voice of science, scientists, and the natural world in policy. He has more than ten years of experience in public policy, including in Parliament and the charity sector. He was recognised on the ENDS Power List 2026 as "a prominent advocate for ensuring environmental science is reflected in public policy".

Header image credit: © Venko | Adobe Stock