AN holistic approach is needed to meet the world's environmental challenges, says former National Farmers' Union president, Sir Ben Gill, who will address a key "green" conference just outside York this spring.

"The worrying side of environmental issues - such as climate change - present the world's biggest challenge but they are too often portrayed in isolation and as a secondary or negative issue," says Sir Ben, who will be keynote speaker at the Business and Environment Conference at The Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, on April 22.

"All too often British businesses view environmental issues as an ogre imposed upon them and a lot of this emanates from the aggressive tone adopted by non-government organisations which needs to be addressed.

"Britain needs to adopt a broader, holistic approach. This can be done by recognising the many new commercial opportunities, such as new technologies, alternative fuels and materials, available to businesses which, if properly exploited, hold considerable benefits for them and society as a whole.

Sir Ben will address the one-day conference, which aims to help Yorkshire businesses unlock new commercial potential by exploiting the latest environmental opportunities, on how climate change affects business and some of the potential solutions.

The £95-per-ticket conference, the idea of York-based commercial lawyer firm Denison Till, is expected to attract a commercial audience of 200 chief executives, entrepreneurs, owner-managers and financial directors. Denison Till is hosting the conference jointly with Yorkshire Forward, Business Link York and North Yorkshire, University of York and Science City York.

To book, phone Rebecca D'Agostino at Denison Till on 01904 561446.

Updated: 09:50 Wednesday, March 17, 2004