Show Notes
Chris Howes, recent CDIO of DEFRA and head of digital sustainability for The UK Government, shares his journey in sustainability over the past 40 years and lessons he has learnt on the way. As founder of the GDSA and a storied driver of change in the UK for digital sustainability, Chris reflects upon the landscape of the past, present and future as well as sharing practical actions for government, businesses and citizens to reduce the impact of technology upon our planet and people.
More from Ctrl+Alt Sustain
In this episode of Ctrl+Alt Sustain, Emily and Felix explore Britain's shockingly prevalent digital inequality with the Good Things Foundation director of business development, James Muscat-Sharp. The leading digital inclusion charity in the UK, they have found that 15% of the adult population lacks foundational tech skills, significantly harming their ability to participate in our digitally centred society. Tune in to learn the extent of our digital inequality problem, and what we can do about it.
In this episode we welcome back the DICE network to explore two of the hottest topics in digital sustainability: data centres and urban mining. Diego Bermudez, out guest and the network’s impact and research fellow, is one of the leading circularity researchers in this area. Tune in to learn from the most cutting edge techniques and precedent issues in digital sustainability today.
Emily and Felix continue their conversation with the incredible Walter Stahel, the leading figure of the circular economy movement for over fifty years. In this second half of our two parter with the academic, consultant and advocate we tackle what action is needed for the UK to move away from a linear economy, in particular in regards to the tech sector. Get your pen and paper out, because this is a rare opportunity for anyone passionate about sustainability to learn concrete, tangible strategies from one of sustainability’s most influential minds.
Join Emily and Felix as they explore the state of the circular economy with its founding father, Walter R. Stahel. As the most internationally celebrated researcher, advocate and consultant for circular business for over fifty yeas, there is no one better to learn from at this crucial moment in sustainability. In part one of this two episode series, you can expect to hear all about Walter’s amazing journey, his views on the current state of our world and his practical advice to businesses and citizens who want to reduce their environmental and social impacts while saving money.
Switching to renewables as the source for powering IT products, services and infrastructure brings a huge range of benefits alongside the environmental. However, making it happen is another matter. With the ongoing AI boom, fossil fuel usage is exploding and will only grow if nothing is done. This is the problem the GWF was set up to tackle. Hosts Emily Watson-Breeze and Felix Chadwick-Histed delve into their unique approach as an organisation, giving the industry tools to tangibly improve transparency while campaigning for change. And, as the standard bearers for this cause, you can expect to hear all about what insights the GWF have for aspiring advocates seeking to bring a positive change to the greatest technology of our time - both locally and at international scale.