42nd TB Macaulay Lecture - Green and Prosperous Land Followed by Derek Mackay, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work, in conversation with Professor Helm
Each year the Macaulay Development Trust, in partnership with the James Hutton Institute, hosts a world-renowned guest speaker for its annual TB Macaulay Lecture. This year they will welcome Professor Dieter Helm, Professor of Economics at the University of Oxford and Fellow of New College, Oxford.
Professor Helm CBE is a leading economist specialising in utilities, infrastructure, regulation and the environment. He has expertise in energy, water, communications and transport in the UK and Europe, and was appointed chair of the Natural Capital Committee established to advise the UK Government. He has also assisted the European Commission in preparing the Energy Roadmap 2050, serving as special advisor to the European Commissioner and chair of the roadmap Ad Hoc Advisory Group.
With news about our climate, ecosystems and wildlife tending to be grim, there are few who could argue action must be taken and taken quickly. With this in mind this year's lecture, Green and Prosperous Land, will focus on Dieter Helm’s radical but tangible plan for positive change.
The pragmatic approach taken by Professor Helm towards environmentalism includes a summary of Britain’s green assets, a look towards possible futures and an achievable 25-year plan for a green and prosperous country. This bold generational plan assesses the environment as a whole, explains the necessity of protecting and enhancing our green spaces and offers a clear, financially sound strategy to put Britain on a greener path.
Helm’s arguments expose the economic inefficiencies in our environmental policies and thus highlights the need for change. Leaving behind the current sterile and ineffective battle between the environment and the economy, this revolutionary plan champions the integration of the economy and the environment together to deliver sustainable, eco-friendly economic growth. There is hope, and there is time, but we must act now.
This year, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work, Derek Mackay will join the discussion on synergies between inclusive, sustainable economic growth.
Derek Mackay is one of the Scottish Government’s foremost figures, with responsibility for Scotland’s economy, jobs, skills and most importantly controlling and allocating the Scottish budget. As such, he will offer a unique and thoughtful perspective on the issues raised in Professor Helm’s keynote speech.