On the interactions between our industrial system and the natural system – Prof. Steve Evans

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Abstract

The industrial system extracts most resources, emits about 30% of greenhouse gasses, and emits local pollutants. Without the industrial system we would not have bricks for our homes, or anaesthetic for our dentistry, or …

So how do we build a new industrial system that delivers useful products without the negative effects? Steve will explore the root causes of the negative effects and offer solutions that are not techno-optimistic. The rigidity of our mental models plays a role, and we will explore the strategy of ‘stop doing stupid stuff’ as a breakthrough way forward.

Speaker profile

Steve Evans is Director of Research in Industrial Sustainability at Cambridge University. He leads research that seeks to deliver knowledge concerning sustainable change at scale, including programmes in sustainable business model innovation, system transformation, the limits of efficiency and sustainable policy making in developing countries. He spent 15 years in industry and has over 30 years of academic experience which includes working collaboratively around the globe. In 2019, Steve was recognised by his peers for academic excellence by his election as Member of Academia Europaea. He has been Specialist Adviser to the House of Lords and is a serial clean-tech start-up founder. Steve has been a millionaire and lost it. Twice. Financial advice will not be offered.