Technology has a profound impact on the world around us. It influences the decisions people make on a daily basis and directly affects the state of our natural world.

Over the last few years, the rate of technological development has been even more pronounced. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid onset of artifical intelligence, and developments like the rollout of UAVs have accelerated the rate of innovation and introduced new ways that technology influences the work of environmental scientists.

Many conversations about technology are abstract: they recognise the potential for seismic shifts, but do not provide actionable insights. This panel discussion is designed to go further, considering how technological development is already affecting environmental professionals, and what we can learn.

The discussion will begin with 'lightning presentations' on specific technological developments, followed by an opportunity for cross-discussion, questions and broader considerations about the future of technology and the environment.

This panel discussion is part of the IES's 2024 policy work on the theme of 'knowledge', addressing practical and theoretical questions about what evidence-informed policy means in practice. The goal of this discussion is to move from theoretical conversations about the impact of technology in the environment sector to more practical considerations about what already exists and its implications.

Agenda

• Introduction (12.30-12.35)
• Presentations from speakers (12.35-13.10):
  • Monica Rivas Casado, drone technology in the water sector
  • Cameron Orr, how augmented reality is being used at Ramboll
  • Jamie Clayton, AI uses in the air quality field which are already happening
• Q&A and panel discussion (13.10-13.25)
• Conclusion (13.25-13.30)

Speakers

Monica Rivas Casado

Dr Rivas Casado is recognised as a leading expert in the use of UAVs as a data acquisition platform to improve flood risk management in the UK and internationally. She is a Reader in Environmental Systems Engineering at Cranfield University.

Her academic career has been built around the development of systems engineering solutions for the design of robust environmental monitoring strategies. Monica's research has been funded by EPSRC, NERC, BEIS, the Environment Agency and a vast range of industrial sponsors.

Cameron Orr

As the UK Digitalisation Service Line Lead at Ramboll Environment and Health (REH), Cameron Orr brings a passion for digital transformation, innovation and sustainability. With extensive experience in Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), data management, and analysis, he develops innovative solutions for clients and oversees REH’s digital transformation strategy in the UK.

Cameron is also the European Technology and Digital Design Lead for REH Europe. In this role he connects digital teams across Ramboll, fostering collaboration and implementing global solutions.

Cameron will provide an update on how Augmented Reality is being used in Ramboll today, alongside web maps, Digital EIA Reports and AI assisted report authoring.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton is an Associate Director at Ricardo. Jamie has worked as an air quality consultant for over 15 years. In his early career his main focus was assessment through dispersion modelling; in recent years his focus has shifted to monitoring and improvement measures.

He is interested in how the activities of air quality professionals will change in the future due to both technological advances, and prioritisation of different topic areas (such as sustainability/net zero or indoor air quality).

Jamie's presentation will be on 'AQ & AI: Right here, right now': Jamie will look to provide some examples of AI uses in the AQ field which are already happening, giving detail on how AI is making things easier and possible future impacts to air quality work streams.