Sustainable use of natural resources
The global demand for natural resources continues to grow. Society needs better knowledge of how non-renewable (eg minerals, fossil fuels) and renewable resources can contribute to a sustainable economy whilst managing the use of resources within the Earth's environmental limits.
Theme leader
Professor Louise Heathwaite is the director of the Centre for Sustainable Water Management at the Lancaster Environment Centre. She has been a consultant to a number of UK and international environmental organisations and an expert adviser to the House of Lords Science & Technology Committee on Water Management. She was vice-president of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences from 2004-2007 and is vice-chair of the EU COST869 programme.
Developing the fourth phase of theme action plans
Professor Louise Heathwaite will be leaving before the completion of the next phase of theme action plans (TAPs). The fourth phase of TAPs is due to be agreed by NERC Council in May 2013, and theme leaders have already made considerable progress in developing their plans.
NERC will cover the further development of the sustainable use of natural resources TAPs until May 2013 via the establishment of an ad hoc group. The ad hoc group will work closely with Professor Heathwaite until her departure. The membership of the ad hoc group is below.
Sustainable use of natural resources ad hoc group
- Professor Richard Bardgett, Lancaster University
- Professor Jim Skea, Imperial College
- Professor Bridget Emmett, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Consultations
There are no consultations in progress at the moment.
Action plan
NERC's governing Council has approved action plans for each theme.
Reports
Valuation of Natural Resources scoping studies reports.