The Waterline Summit 2023 - Exploring Future Histories: Positive visions for a climate resilient future
Working creatively together: adapting to a changing climate
This engaging session used a mix of talks and hands on activities to take a fresh look at climate change and our behaviours. We were encouraged to express our relationship with the environment through creative writing and needlework activities and more. This was a great session which really got us thinking about climate change resilience a bit differently.
Half of the participants worked with a Thread and Press facilitator on individual textiles pieces that explored living with water; half of the participants worked with playwright Maureen Lennon to explore the idea of positive futures through poetry. The latter produced this joint poem:
Session 1:
Working creatively together: adapting to a changing climate
This engaging session used a mix of talks and hands on activities to take a fresh look at climate change and our behaviours. We were encouraged to express our relationship with the environment through creative writing and needlework activities and more. This was a great session which really got us thinking about climate change resilience a bit differently.
Half of the participants worked with a Thread and Press facilitator on individual textiles pieces that explored living with water; half of the participants worked with playwright Maureen Lennon to explore the idea of positive futures through poetry. The latter produced this joint poem:
The future is grit and earth, fresh air, pregnant,
A blend of energy and silence, where we work in sync
and harmony with our natural environment.
I reach out to those close to me,
To empower us to break out of our prison.
Change is a precious gift that sustains all being,
The interplay of land and sea,
Inevitable for the future of the world.
It whispers not to be afraid because we are already part of it.
we must listen to the language older than words.
Because hope comes from driving change,
when least expect it, when we are together.
Like an orchestra, a bright future for my daughter.
Session 2:
Moving positively towards an uncertain future
This panel discussion looked at the future of climate change and how people and businesses can plan in the face of uncertainty. Led by Will McBain of Arup, the panel engaged in a lively discussion with some real food for thought for all of us.
Led by Will McBain Arup, who opened the session with a quote from Louis Pasteur: ‘luck favours the prepared’ before initiating a broader conversation about all aspects of adaptation and resilience. , The panel engaged in a lively discussion with some real food for thought for all of us on how we engage the public and businesses of all sizes in planning for the future. The consensus was that getting everyone on board with planning a positive future is critical and that if we don’t prepare, society as a whole will suffer.
A big thank you to all who participated and added your unique perspective to the debate.
SPEAKERS
Host - Will McBain, Flood Resilience & Climate Change Adaptation Leader for the UKIMEA Region at Arup
Panellists
- Jade Fernandez, Head of Stakeholder Engagement for SSE Thermal
- Prof Briony McDonagh, (Interim) Director of the Energy & Environment Institute and Prof of Environmental Humanities at University of Hull
- Helen Jenkins-Knight, Climate Change Manager, East Riding of Yorkshire Council
- Richard Jackson, Principal Sustainable Development Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council
- James McKay, EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training Water-WISER, University of Leeds
- Ros Vose, Senior Foresight Consultant at Arup
