For the past few months, the IES has been delving deeper into the future of environmental science as part of our Future of ES23 horizon scanning & foresight project, the third theme of which has been looking at 'the Regulatory Landscape' of the environmental sector.
A science-based approach to policymaking is vital to successfully rising to the challenge of implementing multifunctional solutions to the interlinked crises of biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change. The regulatory landscape must adapt so that it provides the foundational building blocks for environmental improvement and moves beyond compliance. Key to this will be supporting cross-departmental collaboration so that a systems approach can be embedded in the policymaking process. Considering the role of the science-policy interface and how environmental professionals can influence policy and act as change agents will support a science and evidence-based approach to future regulation.
Catch up with all the content from our third theme below to find out more about the science-policy interface and how the changing regulatory landscape may affect the future of environmental work.
What next?
Environmental science can create significant positive change for social, economic, and natural systems. To do so, effective regulatory levers must encourage the right kinds of scientific research, then apply that science to social systems. In a rapidly changing natural environment, environmental regulation must be adaptive and responsive.
In turn, those on the frontline of delivering environmental projects must be equipped with the right skills and knowledge to support environmental practice and must increasingly respond to the need for interdisciplinary working and collaboration.
Our fourth theme: 'the Workforce', will explore the trends that will shape the future of the workforce, as well as key concerns such as Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in the context of the environmental profession.
How can you get involved?
