The ICRS Debate 2026: People Over Planet
The ICRS Debate 2026: People Over Planet.
The past three years have been the warmest on record, with research showing that the world is on track for a devastating 2.6C temperature rise by 2100 (CAT). In 2024, over 10% of the world’s population was living in extreme poverty, which is defined as less than $3 USD per day (ILO). These truths beg the question: in a world of finite resources and short-term pressures, should climate remain the top global priority - or should we redirect efforts toward immediate human-centred challenges?
Discussions about this trade-off have made global headlines. For instance, last year Bill Gates claimed that for the low-income communities that will be most impacted by climate change, “the biggest problems are poverty and disease, just as they always have been. Understanding this will let us focus our limited resources on interventions that will have the greatest impact for the most vulnerable people” (Gates Notes).
The scientific community responded immediately with significant criticism of Gates’ assertion. The Global Climate & Health Alliance stated, “Let’s be clear – we cannot treat urgent emissions reduction as optional or secondary to investing in health and development – both are essential to protecting human health” (GCHA).
When push comes to shove, should sustainability leaders prioritise human welfare or climate action? Does it even matter which comes first? The ICRS Debate 2026 will shed light on this complex topic and unpack how these two priorities are both competing but also deeply intertwined.
Join us on April 28th, 2026 at the RSA in London.
Tickets
How to Register
ICRS Member Registration
All tickets are free for current, paid ICRS members.
To register:
Select your ticket type: In-person or Virtual
Organisational members: Specify your organisation and membership type (Member, Fellow, Student, or CRS Apprentice). A full list of current Organisational Members is visible on our website.
Individual members: Indicate your membership status (Member, Fellow, Student, or CRS Apprentice).
If you are unsure about the status of your membership, please contact us at info@icrs.info.
ICRS Non-Member Registration
We’re pleased to welcome non-members to the Debate for the first time!
Early Bird Offer
Enjoy 10% off ticket prices when you register by 13 March 2026.
This discount applies to both in-person and virtual tickets.
Spaces are limited, so we encourage early registration to secure your place.
To register:
Select your ticket type: In-person or Virtual
Complete the registration form and payment
Confirmation will follow shortly after
Please note that in-person spaces are limited for non-members. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@icrs.info.
ICRS Non-Members Register Here!
Further Information
This event is open to members and non - members of the ICRS. Tickets are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. The event will be hybrid offering in-person and virtual options. If you have access requirements, please let us know via email. Please note that in person registration closes at noon on the 10th of April 2026. Virtual registration closes on the 24th of April 2026.
As space is limited, if you are unable to attend the Debate, we kindly ask that you cancel your ticket on Eventbrite. This will allow us to offer the ticket to other ICRS members who wish to attend. Thank you!