Wednesday 6 December 2023, 5.30pm

University of Edinburgh Business School, Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh EH8 9JS

Aim of event:

To spark conversations about the role of finance in addressing the nature crisis. To build connections between the finance, environment, and academic sectors.

Format:

17:30 – Registration opens

18:00 – Networking reception

18:45 – Film begins, followed by a panel discussion with Q&A

20:15 – Event closes

Event description:

Banking on a Wilder Tomorrow

We are excited to welcome you to the University of Edinburgh Business School to this event, jointly hosted by the Centre for Business, Climate Change and Sustainability (B-CCaS) and RSPB Scotland.

The finance sector has a huge role to play in addressing the nature crisis. At the same time, the risks to investments and supply chains from nature loss are unmistakable.

The short film – Banking on a Wilder Tomorrow – is inspired by Wild Isles, the iconic BBC nature documentary series produced by WWF, the RSPB, the National Trust and Silverback Films.

In the film, business leaders explore what actions they can take to reduce their impact on nature while also investing in nature-based solutions such as peatland restoration and woodland expansion. The film features the likes of Deborah Meaden (Business Leader and Investor), Steve Waygood (Chief Responsible Investment Officer, Aviva Investors), Emma Howard Boyd (Chair of the Green Finance Institute), and Bevis Watts (CEO of Triodos Bank UK).

The screening will be followed by a discussion with expert panellists, including from B-CCaS and RSPB Scotland. Please look out for our announcement of panel members, and there will be an opportunity for audience Q&A.

This event will be ideal for finance and sustainability professionals looking for insights into a rapidly developing set of issues. Refreshments and snacks will be served, and there will be opportunities for networking. We do hope you can make it.

Panel:

• Dr Theodor Cojoianu – Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Finance, University of Edinburgh (Chair)
• Douglas Peedle – Head of Economics and Valuing Nature, RSPB
• Dr Hannah Rudman – Business Development Director, Highlands Rewilding
• Dr Craig Mackenzie – Investment Director, Abrdn

This event will be jointly hosted by the University of Edinburgh Centre for Business, Climate Change and Sustainability (B-CCaS): Centre for Business, Climate Change, and Sustainability | B-CCaS (ed.ac.uk) and RSPB Scotland.

B-CCaS is a research and impact centre based within the University of Edinburgh Business School. Our mission is to be a catalyst for positive social and environmental change in the interaction of climate, business, policy and society. We want to create and inspire change makers of the future by offering innovative, research-led solutions.

The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, protecting habitats, saving species, and helping to end the nature and climate emergency. For over a century we’ve acted for nature through practical conservation and powerful partnerships, campaigning and influence, and inspiring and empowering millions of people, including almost 1.2 million members. Our network of over 200 nature reserves sits at the heart of our world leading science and conservation delivery. Nature is in crisis, but together we can save it.

Get your tickets here.

Contact details

B-CCaS: B-CCaS@business-school.ed.ac.uk

RSPB Scotland: campaigns.scotland@rspb.org.uk