The environment sector is one of the least ethnically diverse sectors in the UK. In order to understand and address this issue, it is crucial that we take a systemic approach to improving diversity through action at multiple levels.

This event will feature perspectives on how we can support improved ethnic diversity in environmental science research, the role of different routes into the sector in improving diversity and how professional bodies can support environmental professionals in this space. 

This panel discussion is part of the IES's Future of ES23 horizon scanning and foresight project, bringing together environmental experts to reflect on the future of the environmental sciences. This event has been organised as part of the 'The Workforce' theme.

Our speakers

Judy Ling Wong is a painter, poet, environmentalist, and expert advisor on multicultural environmental participation. She is probably best known as the Honorary President of Black Environment Network (BEN). For 27 years she was the UK Director of BEN, with an international reputation as the pioneer and creator of the field of multicultural environmental participation in the built and natural environment. Judy is a major voice on policy and practice towards social inclusion.

She is recognised as a visionary advocate for diversity and equality. She was awarded an OBE for pioneering multicultural environmental participation in 2000, and a CBE for services to heritage in 2007. Recently, she was included in the BBC Power Women List 2021, and the Forbes List of 100 Leading Environmentalists in the UK 2021, Climate Reframe List of 100 best-known UK BAME activists. She was given the Vanity Fair International Women’s Day Challenger Award 2021 and the Earth Day Green Plaque Award 2021. Judy was a regular guest on the Sky News Daily Climate Show. Her current contribution includes Chair - Green Apprenticeships Advisory Group, supporting the BEIS Green Recovery Taskforce, Member - UKRI Hidden Histories Advisory Group, Member - Weston Communicating Climate Advisory Group. Media Trust, Co-Founder - National Park City Foundation, Member - Living Landscapes Research Steering Group. Royal Society, Member - IUCN/WCPA Urban Conservation Strategies Specialist Group, Member – Aluna Cultural Strategy Development Group, Patron - Population Matters Advisory Group, Patron – CIEEM Chartered Institute of Ecological and Environmental Management, Board member - Botanic Gardens Education Network, Ambassador – Women’s Environmental Network.

Karen Devine is the Directors for Communities and Inclusion at the British Ecological Society. Prior to that and many years ago, her career began as a secondary science school teacher both in the UK and Overseas, moving to the British Ecological Society offered her the opportunity to focus on education and ecology together and for many years she led BES's education programmes including those that focussed on inspiring young people from low income/ minority ethnicities and first in families to pursue ecological careers. Today Karen lead the Society’s equity and inclusion work across how they support their members from marginalised communities, how they fund and publish ecological research. Karen's work includes support for UK based and international ecologists where the barriers are varied and systemic.