This is the first in a series of all-day sessions (in person or online) in which a panel of experts will discuss and answer questions on a “Faultline” within current sustainability policies. This session focuses on reconciling farming and nature. Is modern farming sustainable? Many believe the answer is no: its impacts on both climate […]

From the icy oceans of our poles to remote coral islands Sir David Attenborough, the greatest natural history broadcaster of our times, has filmed in every ocean habitat on planet earth.   Colin Butfield, Attenborough’s long-term collaborator and co-author will be talking about their latest book at the Bath Literature Festival.   Ocean: How to Save […]

Increased international volatility, climate change and biodiversity loss all pose risks to the UK’s food security. Prof Tim Lang and Prof Sarah Bridle discuss what a good food system looks like, as well as the policies needed to ensure that our food system is fairer, more sustainable and more resilient. About the speakers Tim Lang […]

On a small farm in a Norwegian forest, the Paynes live a purposefully isolated life, aiming to be wild and free. Maria and Nik, along with their four children Ulv, Falk, Freja, and Ronja are self-sufficient. They practice home-schooling and strive for a closely-knit family dynamic in harmony with nature. However, when tragedy strikes the […]

At the heart of Robert Macfarlane’s perspective-shifting new book is a single idea: that rivers are not mere matter for human use but living beings who should be recognised as such in both imagination and law.  Is a River Alive? takes the reader on an exhilarating exploration of the past, present and futures of this urgent […]

As the climate emergency accelerates, the need for higher standards of honesty in our politics, media and business is critical, argues climate and sustainability expert Mike Berners-Lee (A Climate of Truth: Why We Need It and How to Get It). By turning our attention to the principle of truth, we can all have far more […]

You’ve probably heard the fable about the blind men and the elephant – each one touches a different part and ends up with a completely different idea of what it is. That story inspired the name of The Elephant Team, a group of specialists at the University of Bath, combining their skills to tackle a […]

BRLSI is currently running a series of one-day events on sustainability policy. These are focused on ‘Fault Lines’ between alternative approaches to net zero where it isn’t yet entirely clear what will be the best thing to do. Each meeting considers just one of these Fault Lines and brings a panel of experts to discuss […]

According to the UN Environment Programme, the fashion industry is the world’s second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Yet fashion and clothing are also key statements of individuality and mediators of human understanding, connection, and distinction. Is […]

The pandemic, climate change, rising populism, geopolitical unrest – just a few of the issues causing turbulence in today’s world. We are living and working in times that are complex and fast changing. Jean Boulton, building on her new book, The Dao of Complexity (2024: De Gruyter), will explore the remarkable resonance between the science […]

Mya-Rose Craig, also known as ‘Birdgirl’, is a multi-award-winning young naturalist, author, and founded UK charity Black2Nature when she was 12 years old. She has shared a stage with Emma Watson and Greta Thunberg and did the most northerly climate strike with Greenpeace. Join us for a talk and Q&A session covering her books, experiences and Black2Nature's […]