Sustainability webinars moderated by Jane Masters MW
On 17 February, the first in a collection of sustainability webinars entitled ‘The impact of climate change on the global wine trade’ attracted a record number of attendees with 800 registrations from around the world and 540 at the live webinar. Climatologist Greg Jones, economist Mike Veseth and Lulie Halstead from Wine Intelligence gave insight from different perspectives of growers, business leaders and consumers. As a member of the IMW’s sustainability committee, it was encouraging to see this level of engagement and the sheer thirst for knowledge in terms of the high number and calibre of questions posed.
One of the aims of the sustainability committee is to use our network to increase understanding of the complex, interconnected issues of environmental, social and economic sustainability in the global wine trade. This first webinar was a fantastic start and generated lots of good feedback. The committee is also working with the executive office team to reduce the impact of the IMW’s own activities.
The first webinar focused on the impact climate change is having on the trade. Following webinars will address what the global wine trade could/should be doing to be sustainable long term. The next webinar on 17 March will look at the global wine trade’s impact on the climate crisis with regard to greenhouse gas emissions and how carbon footprints could be reduced. Once again, we have some great expert speakers lined up.
On 14 April, we will take a more holistic look at sustainability exploring environment, social and economic aspects. Bottle weights and packaging formats always generate a large amount of questions as well as Certifications and these topics will be addressed in depth in following sessions. I believe the IMW can demonstrate leadership by bringing together experts in their fields, creating opportunities for discussion, sharing ideas, finding solutions and encouraging best practices.
If you have any other ideas for topics/speakers or on sustainability in general, please contact Belinda Eaton, IMW Events Officer.
You can view a recording of this event and upcoming webinars here