Sustainability expert to deliver lecture

Sustainability expert, Dr Victoria Hurth, will deliver the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Lecture at the Manx Museum in Douglas on 17th April 2024.

Dr Hurth is a distinguished Fellow of Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainable Leadership (CISL) and a world leader in her field, with more than 25 years' experience.

During her talk, ‘Making Sustainability a Reality', she will delve into the theme, exploring the critical role of wellbeing economies, purpose-driven organisations, and meaningful work in addressing the challenges of unsustainability.

The lecture aligns with UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man's commitment to promoting sustainability, along with the Island’s commitment to net zero, and will build on the Sustainable Mann workshops for businesses and the complementary Sustainable Mann online business toolkit, both aimed at fostering sustainable practices.

Dr Hurth said: ‘This lecture will unravel why we are stuck in unsustainable decision-making, even when the risks are clear and set out the vital three-level shift in the market economy being born.

‘From countries and companies, there are a number of great stated ambitions to “solve unsustainability”, as well as some impressive changes afoot. However, globally, the gap between what our natural and social systems need to remain viable and the reality of our actions is not on the whole closing, and in many cases getting bigger.’

The lecture starts at 7pm. Prior to it, at 6.15pm, there will be a reception sponsored by Cayman National Bank (Isle of Man) Limited, a subsidiary of Republic Financial Holdings Limited, which will allow for networking.

Tickets for the lecture and reception are £6 and can be purchased via Eventbrite. The organisers anticipate a high level of interest, so early booking is recommended.

Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture and Vice-Chair of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, said: ‘This lecture allows us to hear from global experts and we are delighted that Dr Hurth has agreed to join us.'