Many argue we have to wait for the government to lead on tackling the environmental crisis before we can have any meaningful impact; others believe that consumer power can make all the difference. As we enter into another term of government, with Brexit being the first thing to work on, people are left wondering where best to put their energy.

Should we be encouraging everyone to change consumer habits and behaviour, or should we rely on the government? Will our energy be best used researching how to make our house more energy efficient or be put into pushing for more progressive policies to be represented in government?

We will be debating the role of the local and national governments as well as businesses and people.

Panelists

Rupert Read - National UK Spokesperson @ Extinction Rebellion

Rupert Read is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of East Anglia. He is author of eight books and specialises in Wittgenstein, philosophy of film, and ecological philosophy. Rupert is a former chair of Green House think tank, and is a former Green Party of England and Wales councillor, spokesperson, European parliamentary candidate and national parliamentary candidate. He is currently a national UK spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion and is a frequent guest on a range of national UK television and radio programs. He has articles in The Guardian, The Independent, The Ecologist as well as other newspapers, magazines and websites.

Tom Beckett - Founder and Director @Better Century

Tom Beckett has worked for the environment in different guises throughout his career. Working for a leading renewable energy association and sustainability consultancy, he has investigated and delivered high policy analysis to assist governments in making decisions regarding sustainable technology. He worked in politics by helping lead the Green Party through the 2014/15 green surge, as a Director, and has since been advocating for nature as a Director of the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. Tom has now founded Better Century, which is a network that provides sustainable solutions and inspiration.