15. Collaboration to create a thriving low carbon economy with Simon Dawes (UK Environment Agency)
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Future Planet Podcast
15. Collaboration to create a thriving low carbon economy with Simon Dawes (UK Environment Agency)
Mar 21, 2024 Season 1 Episode 15

In this episode, we welcome Simon Dawes, a driving force behind the Environment Agency's push towards sustainability, with over two decades of experience in the environmental sector. 


Currently, Simon is the Head of Sustainable Business Strategy, where he led the development and integration of a Net Zero delivery plan for a complex £1.3bn organisation. 


He also spearheaded the creation of an expansive Carbon Literacy training program for 11,000 staff, fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability at every level.



Simon is a key player in the UK's journey to Net Zero, representing the Environment Agency on task forces and acting as a Sustainability Ambassador.



Beyond his sustainability role, Simon is driven by a zest for adventure and challenge. A keen snowboarder and supporter of protecting our winters. His passion has led him to conquer the towering summits of Europe's Mt. Blanc and Africa's Kilimanjaro, alongside testing his endurance in triathlons at the Olympic distance. 



Simon's story is one of passion, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of a better future for all. 



We explore:


🌱 Simon’s vision for the future of the UK


🌱 The role of a regulator and how to be inclusive and progressive 


🌱 How to accelerate change through collaboration in the construction sector


🌱 The business reasons to embracing the circular economy


🌱 That the circular economy and net zero are intrinsically interlinked



🌱 Water, rivers, pollution and Climate adaptation 



🌱 …and the projects Simon is working on as part of the UK environment agency



Listen to the end to hear about Simon's campaigning passion with Protect Our Winters and the role sports can play in creating a better world for all. 


You can read the action takeaways from this episode, comment, co-create future episodes and connect with fellow change makers in the FuturePlanet community of action, visit https://www.futureplanet.love to sign in or sign up.


Let's get into it. 



Where shall we go next, what questions shall we ask? To co-create the podcast with us, connect with fellow change makers in the FuturePlanet community of action, visit www.futureplanet.love to sign in or sign up.


Episode Artwork 15. Collaboration to create a thriving low carbon economy with Simon Dawes (UK Environment Agency) 1:02:14 Episode Artwork 14. A new story of nature-centred leadership with Andres Roberts (Bio-Leadership Project) 55:02 Episode Artwork 13. Empathy and the quest for environmental and social justice with Vibhati Bhatia (Founder of South Asians for Sustainability) 48:24 Episode Artwork 12. Ride the change towards collective sustainable action with Hermione Taylor (Founder & CEO at Do Nation) 51:09 Episode Artwork 11. A generational evolution of cheese making with Brad Vanstone (Co-founder of Willicroft) 38:34 Episode Artwork 10. No time to waste to get to zero waste - Catherine Conway (Director & Reuse Lead at GoUnpackaged) 59:09 Episode Artwork 09. Activism and a lifetime struggle for justice - Kumi Naidoo (Founding Chair at Africans Rising for Justice, Peace and Dignity) 59:25 Episode Artwork 08. Transforming the materials, resources sector to be wasteless - Adam Read (Chief Sustainability & External Affairs Officer at SUEZ UK) 1:12:21 Episode Artwork 07. Putting Nature in the heart of the board - Anne Hopkins & Simeon Rose (Faith in Nature & co-creators of Nature on the Board) 1:17:28 Episode Artwork 06. Unlocking a flowing river of finance - David Carlin (Head of Climate Risk and TCFD at UNEP FI) 1:01:03 Episode Artwork 05. What moving into 'Thrivability' means in practice - Michelle Holliday (author of "Age of Thrivability") 1:00:22 Episode Artwork 04. Degrowth: Redefining and centering progress on wellbeing - Timothée Parrique (Researcher at Lund University & author of "Ralentir ou périr: L'économie de la décroissance") 1:18:06 Episode Artwork 03. Scaling and financing regenerative agriculture in Europe - Philippe Birker (Co-Founder at Climate Farmers) 1:02:38 Episode Artwork 02. More nonviolent civil disobedience to confront climate emergency - Jonathon Porritt CBE (Forum for the Future) 53:22 Episode Artwork 01. Promoting responsible investment across Europe - Catherine Howarth OBE (CEO at ShareAction) 51:02