Abstract/Summary

The programme Adapting for Tomorrow’s Environment by the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) draws attention to the fact that we are the midst of an ecological and climate crises, with the presenter, Tom Heap calling for radical action - now. The chief executive of CIWEM, Terry Fuller points out that we are experiencing extreme climate events a lot more than what we can remember from when we were younger, noting that this is reflected in records that are continually being broken. The Walker Institute at Reading University provides inspiration in the programme, which documents examples of flooding, heat waves, coastal erosion and sea level rise in the UK and beyond. The programme shows specific interventions in the UK to mitigate risk and adapt in Bristol, Hull, Salford, Warrington Portsmouth and South Tyneside. At national level, the UK is preparing for climate shocks through adaptation and building resilience, while nature-based solutions can support environmental and water resources management and are being use by the private sector, public sector and civil society. The Walker Institute brings an international perspective to the inspirational CIWEM programme, with its interdisciplinary research work supporting the development of climate resilient societies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Walker’s emphasis on data collection and analysis for action, as illustrated by projects on rainwater and groundwater in Ghana and Burkina Faso, and the innovative approach to listen to, and talk to different populations and change their work to meet community needs supports poor communities to adapt to climate change. Working directly with communities is not only an issue in sub-Saharan Africa. The programme highlights the importance of building relationships with residents and businesses in the UK as well, engaging young people in particular. The Water and Environment sector is the place where young people that have become inspired by the current climate and environmental movements can turn their ideas into solutions, says the CIWEM president, Nikki Roach. Meanwhile, the Walker Institute at Reading is the place to be for young, and older researchers who want to innovate to support climate resilient society in low and middle-income countries, for now, and for the future. The programme Adapting for Tomorrow’s Environment, produced by ASN media, was launched on the 8th December 2020.