The UCL Environment Institute is organising a conference on 17th June 2008 to commemorate the 150 year anniversary of the Great Stink of London which led to the construction of London’s sewerage system. In the early 19th century the River Thames was practically an open sewer, with disastrous consequences for public health in London, including numerous cholera epidemics. Proposals to modernise the sewerage system had been put forward in 1856, but were shelved due to lack of funds. However, after The Great Stink of 1858, Parliament realised the urgency of the problem and resolved to create a modern sewerage system. The conference seeks to mark this anniversary as well as to raise awareness and discussion of a number of environmental issues facing London in the 21st century. These issues include: storm water overflows into the Thames; climate change and renewable energy; and urban planning.