Policy measures for PFAS risks, envecon 2027, and our team volunteer day
In this Month's Newsletter:
PFAS Policy Options Analysis is published!
The study assesses targeted policy measures for managing PFAS risks
envecon 2027: Dates for your diary
5 March for the conference, 16 November 2026 deadline for submission
Team volunteer day at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
A little weeding, a whole lot of wellbeing
PFAS Policy Options Analysis is published!The study assesses targeted policy measures for managing PFAS risks |
 Image note: The figure presents the ranking for options 1 – 5 (listed below) against the assessment criteria |
Defra has recently published our PFAS policy options analysis – our summary is here. Building on the UK’s 2023 PFAS Risk Management Options Analysis (RMOA) and ongoing work by the UK Chemical Stakeholder Forum, we assessed targeted policy measures for managing PFAS risks. We developed and applied a multi-criteria analysis framework to evaluate ten possible policy measures across five strategic options:
Each measure was assessed against 17 criteria, covering effectiveness, feasibility, costs, health and environmental benefits, and wider economic impacts. The analysis showed that policy measures placing greater responsibility on industry, such as tiered levies or transferable quotas, can deliver substantial emission reductions and encourage faster substitution of PFAS. However, they also impose higher costs on private actors. By assessing these trade-offs, we provided Defra with a clear evidence base to design a strategic, phased package of policies that balances ambition with practicality. |
envecon 2027: Dates for your diary5 March for the conference, 16 November 2026 deadline for submissions |
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The call for papers, posters, and for the first time panels for envecon 2027, UKNEE's annual applied economic conference, is open. Full details are on UKNEE’s webpage. envecon 2027 will take place on March 5, 2027 at The Royal Society, London. Occurring since 2003, envecon is the only environmental economics conference in the UK that brings a large delegation of policy makers together with research providers, NGOs, and the private sector. It is a unique opportunity to meet peers, address decision-makers, and discuss the latest research and policy implications. This year, the conference will focus on fresh perspectives for how we can make a positive change for nature, people and the economy: evidence that tests conventional wisdom, links protection of nature and economic growth, or shows how targeted interventions create the conditions for such change. UKNEE welcomes submissions that focus on the application of environmental and behavioural economics through methods such as valuation, appraisal, evaluation, natural capital accounting and economic instruments. Applications can be any topic from agriculture, chemicals, energy, manufacturing, tourism, transport, circular economy, to land use, fresh water, marine environment, air quality, climate change, and beyond with regards to the workings of any economic sector or policy area. You can find the full details and how to submit here. |
Team volunteer day at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Parka little weeding, a whole lot of wellbeing |
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Last month, we helped the Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park improve its biodiversity by tending to the ground’s daily needs – a real change from calculating 60-year PVs! We cleared nettles, brambles and hedge bindweed, filling two caged truckloads of green waste! The effort helps control invasive species, create more space for kidney vetch, and protect the park’s rich biodiversity. The day was also an opportunity to learn and connect. Crystal enjoyed learning to identify different plants and invasive species, as well as spending time with colleagues outside the office. Jacqueline shared: “We heard about the cemetery’s rich history, as well as how to identify local invasive species, like hedge bindweed. Since volunteer day, I have been able to spot them on walks around London and other areas of the UK.” Emily said that the park was like a sanctuary from the hustle of London-life like the large scabious mining bee, a rare species, who found its home there. Its residence highlights the ecological value of the urban greenspace. Projects like this remind us that biodiversity is strengthened not only by large-scale initiatives, but also by small, practical acts of care. |
