About this event
Infrastructure Action Plan – in place now!
2019 was the hottest year on record and 2020 is likely to be close. As the heat gave way to thunderstorms and very heavy rainfall, localised flooding followed. These weather patterns are likely to remain with us and will put considerable pressure on our infrastructure systems – transport, water and energy networks will all be subject to additional strains.
A recent National Infrastructure Committee (NIC) report called on the government to “publish resilience standards every five years, and for stress tests for utilities and other infrastructure such as transport.” We know that our rivers are under stress with only about 14% in a good ecological condition. Do we develop in the right places? We increase pressure in the south-east, already challenged in terms of both water scarcity and flooding. Do we properly link development sites with low carbon transport systems?
Adding to our difficulties is the fact that much of our existing infrastructure is outdated and poorly maintained and the NIC called for the government to tackle this issue as a ‘green recovery priority’. This session will look at the priorities for ensuring a more climate-resilient national infrastructure.
How should ‘infrastructure’ respond to our 3 questions on i) what are we learning from our time of lockdown and beyond to change both as individuals and professionals? ii) What do we keep and what do we change in the industry? iii) If we embrace change, what is our vision for the future? If we don’t, what are the risks?
Hear the following presentations from our speakers:
Chair: Clotilde Robin
- The challenge for our infrastructure – what do we need to do and when? – Heleni Pantelidou
- Creating economic stimulus through infrastructure – Dimitri Zenghelis
- Integrating grey, green and blue infrastructure in cities – impact of Covid and messages for the desired future – Kathryn Brown
- Plan the World We Need, a holistic, integrated, and resourced green recovery – Dr Wei Yang
This will be followed by a live Q&A session, where you can pose your questions to our experts.
In partnership with:
Webinar chair:
Clotilde Robin – Associate, Expedition Engineering
Hosted by
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Guest speaker
Heleni Pantelidou Associate Director Infrastructure @ ArupG
Heleni leads a team of Infrastructure engineers in London. She is an enthusiastic promoter of Low Carbon in Infrastructure and advances and coordinates sustainable design and whole life carbon strategies on infrastructure projects and the built environment.
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Guest speaker
Dimitri Zenghelis Senior Visiting Fellow @ Grantham Institute of Climate Change and the Environment, London School of EconomicsG
Dimitri was co-head of policy at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change at LSE & Special Advisor to the Wealth Economy Project, Bennett Institute, University of Cambridge, where he was responsible for producing, commissioning and communicating research on the economics of climate change.
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Guest speaker
Dr Wei Yang Vice-President @ Royal Town Planning InstituteG
Weil will lead the Royal Town Planning Institute as President in 2021 and seeks to actively promote joined-up thinking between different professionals. She is a lead figure in researching, promoting, and implementing 21st Century Garden City approach worldwide.
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Guest speaker
Clotilde Robin Associate @ Expedition EngineeringG
Clotilde is an experienced bridge designer and project manager, participating in two of the biggest UK Infrastructure projects: HS2 and Lower Thames Crossing. She is currently an Associate in Expedition Engineering, focusing on innovation, sustainability and social value within the design process.
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Guest speaker
Kathryn Brown Head of Adaptation @ Committee on Climate ChangeG
Kathryn has worked for the past 18 years in a range of climate change roles at the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and Defra. She currently leads the secretariat for the CCC’s Adaptation Committee and is directing the production of the UK’s third Climate Change Risk Assessment Evidence Report.
