This webinar will provide an overview of the new governance framework and key policy initiatives being introduced through the Environment Bill, a landmark piece of legislation for managing the environment as the UK leaves the EU.

Our speakers will explore the role of the new Office for Environmental Protection, the application of Environmental Principles in policymaking, and the process for setting legally binding environmental targets. It will also highlight key aspects of the Bill relating to Air Quality, Resource Efficiency and Waste, Nature and Biodiversity.

Each speaker will present a short presentation before participating in a panel discussion Chaired by IAQM Chair Christine McHugh. Attendees are invited to submit questions throughout the webinar, the majority of these will then be included in the panel discussion. 

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Our speakers

Martin Baxter is IEMA’s Chief Policy Adviser, working in the UK and internationally to support the transition to a sustainable economy. He has extensive experience of environmental policy, working with senior parliamentarians, Government officials, business leaders, and academia.

Martin has international experience in developing and negotiating global standards and developing capacity for effective and widespread implementation. He is chair of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) sub-committee on environmental management systems and head of the UK delegation.

Katie Nield is a Clean Air Lawyer in ClientEarth’s London office, where her work focuses on UK clean air issues and promoting compliance with domestic and international air quality standards. Since 2011, ClientEarth has launched three successful legal challenges against the UK Government’s failure to commit to action to reduce pollution to within legal limits.

Before joining ClientEarth, Katie practiced as a planning and environmental lawyer at international law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner. She holds a first class degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University, as well as an MSc in Environmental Technology from Imperial College London.

Christine McHugh is an independent air quality consultant with over 25 years’ experience, working for Keane & Gray. She previously worked for Arup where she led the UK air quality team, Amec Foster Wheeler and CERC. She has particular expertise in air quality modelling, emissions, forecasting, and airport air quality, having led air quality studies for several major UK airports. She has provided planning and other technical support to the Greater London Authority leading a comparison of London’s air quality with cities around the world.

Christine provided training and expertise internationally, as the EU expert on air quality in the EU/China Liaoning Integrated Environment Programme, on projects for the European Space Agency, EU 7th Framework, and the European Commission. She was elected Chair of the IAQM in 2019.