This event will explore how we can envision and build a sustainable future in ways that embrace disagreement, enhance trust and support inclusive transitions.

Communities are increasingly having to navigate the impacts of environmental change and the difficult decisions that come with adapting to such changes. Cutting across debates around land use change, energy infrastructures, nature recovery, and other place-based interventions are themes of trust, inequality, inclusion, (mis)information and the role of institutions. Debates are becoming more visible, more complex, and more contested.

But rather than seeing this as a barrier, this event asks whether controversy can be a force for good. How could constructive disagreement become a catalyst for better governance, more meaningful participation and a more sustainable future?

Why join us? This conference offers the opportunity to:

• Share and learn fresh perspectives on how disagreement and debate can be used productively rather than avoided
• Gain practical insights to use in your work
• Contribute to cross-sector and transdisciplinary discussions, with attendees and speakers from local government, community organisations, research institutions, business, and more.
• Inform what happens next, and how the different work in this space can be more connected and accessible moving forwards.

We hope you will join the conversation and contribute your expertise to this important topic.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Professor Kathryn Oliver, Professor of Evidence and Science at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
• Professor Ian Bateman, Professor of Environmental Economics and Co-Director of the Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute at the University of Exeter Business School
• Professor Susan Owens, Emeritus Professor of Environment and Policy at Newnham College, University of Cambridge
• More speakers to be confirmed, from regional community organisations, local authorities, and business networks.

The event is in-person, at the University of Exeter’s Xfi Building, and also has an online option available for half of the day, for those who want to join remotely. Please make sure to select the relevant ticket option when booking.

This event is a collaboration between the
British Academy
and
Governing Sustainable Futures,
the
Green Futures Network,
and
ACCESS
at the University of Exeter.

You’ll find directions to the University of Exeter’s Streatham campus
here.
Please click on the Public Transport and Sustainable Travel tabs of that webpage to view further details.

The ACCESS
Travel Guiding Principles
can also help with making sustainable travel choices.

• 7 hours
• In person
• Doors at 9AM