12: I would give YOUNG PEOPLE the vote: Craig Bennett (CEO The Wildlife Trusts)

Good data, good decision making, values and accountability! A recipe for change. Join us as we engage in a profound conversation with Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts. This episode navigates Craig's journey to becoming a beacon of environmental activism, the intertwining of politics and conservation, and how leadership shapes the course of environmental advocacy. Delve into Craig's critical views on current global environmental policies, and the imperative role of diverse, youthful voices in forging a sustainable future.

Key Takeaways:

1. Craig Bennett's Path to Environmentalism:
   • An introduction to Craig's backstory and pivotal moments with Friends of the Earth that shaped his environmental advocacy.
   
   
2. Politics vs. Nature:
   • A discussion on the challenges of balancing economic equality and environmental conservation.
   • Craig's critique of political support for damaging agricultural and fossil fuel practices.
   
   
3. Personal Resilience for Activists:
   • Insights into how Craig maintains well-being through music, family, and running.
   • The importance of personal health in sustaining long-term activism.
   
   
4. Vision for Future Environmental Policy:
   • The necessity of including younger generations in policymaking.
   • Advocacy for evaluating progress beyond traditional economic indicators to include environmental sustainability.
   
   
5. Historical Lessons and Future Aspirations:
   • Reflections on successful environmental actions, such as the global response to the ozone layer crisis.
   • Craig's thoughts on what's needed for effective international cooperation and environmental governance today.
   
   

Conclusion and Insights: Craig Bennett shares valuable lessons from his extensive experience in environmental advocacy, highlighting the critical need for systemic change, personal resilience, and inclusive policymaking. His vision for a sustainable future underscores the complexities of environmental challenges and the collective effort required to address them. For more insights and to support The Wildlife Trusts, visit their website.

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!

Follow Gillian

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillians_voice/

Website: https://www.gillianburkevoice.com/

Mentions & Resources

• https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3700
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

What would you do if you ruled the world?

If you have any insights or feedback on today’s episode or you have an idea for how the world could be a better place, drop me an email on [email protected]

A final thank you to our wonderful sponsors Triodos Bank UK for making this podcast happen, and to The Wildlife Trusts for their continued support.

Produced by Soundquake

Edited by Jake-Lee Savage