Weathering it together: climate resilience in the West of England

Weathering it together: climate resilience in the West of England

Our climate is changing, in our region and beyond. From heatwaves to floods and disrupted supply chains and infrastructure, the impacts of climate change on our lives are already being felt, and will only intensify.

On 6 October, Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, supported by the West of England Combined Authority, is hosting a gathering to explore what our region’s climate will look like in the near and longer term, and what we can do about it together.

Across communities, businesses and the public sector, we will create space to think collectively about how to increase our resilience and help our region thrive in a changing world.

We will be joined by speaker West of England Mayor Helen Godwin, plus community leaders, resilience experts and voices from businesses, communities and the public sector.

Alongside expert speakers and panel discussions, the morning will include interactive breakout sessions tailored for businesses and community organisations, a creative performance and space to connect over lunch.

Confirmed speakers so far

• Helen Godwin - Mayor of the West of England

• Ben Smith - Associate Director for Climate Resilience at AtkinsRéalis

• Alex Ardalan-Raikes - CEO at Stand Against Racism & Inequality

• Louise Brogan - Environmental Manager at Avon Fire and Rescue Service

• Sanjoy Shah - New Joint Clinical Director for Green and Sustainable Healthcare at North Bristol NHS Trust

• Matthew Sugden - Senior Project Manager at Avon Riversides 2100

• Luke McCullough - Senior Public Policy Manager at Aviva

• Liz Gadd - Freelance climate, poverty, and equity advisor

• Joe Watts - Head of Sustainability and Facilities at Wiper and True

The Gathering will be chaired by Manu Maunganidze - Teacher and Youth Outreach Coordinator at Nature Youth Connection and Education, and Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership Director.

Timings (approximate)

08:30 Arrivals and tea/coffee

09:15 Welcome

09:25 Climate Resilience in the West of England – Speakers and workshops

10:45 Break

11:10 Two breakout sessions:

• 'Climate Resilience and Communities' with speaker Liz Gadd - freelance Climate, Poverty, and Equity Advisor, or;

• 'Climate Resilience and Business' with speaker Luke McCullough, Senior Public Policy Manager at Aviva.

12:15 Closing plenary

12:45 Lunch and networking

14:00 Close

Ticket pricing

We have introduced a 'Pay What You Can' price structure for this gathering. Our hope is that this structure ensures that our events remain accessible to all our members, whilst contributing to the costs of delivering the gathering (including lunch) and our wider programme throughout the year.

Venue and accessibility information

The event space is the Rosalind Franklin Room on the second floor and is accessible by wheelchair via two passenger lifts. There is step-free access throughout. There are two accessible toilets and a gender-neutral toilet at the far end of the room. A hearing loop will be available. Guide dogs are welcome. Further access and support information can be found on the We The Curiouswebsite.https://www.wethecurious.org/visit-us/access-and-support

BSL interpretation is available on request, please let us know by 18 September. After this date, BSL interpretation will be dependent on availability of interpreters and cannot be guaranteed. If you have any other questions about the accessibility of the event or you wish to discuss your access needs, please get in touch with us by email oncontact@bristolclimatenature.orgor by phone or text on 07508 482110.

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With thanks to our Supporting Members