If I Ruled the World by Gillian Burke

40: I would MANDATE MILITARY CARBON REPORTING with Dr Benjamin Neimark

Climate and War: Understanding the Intersection of the Military Sector and the Climate & Nature CrisisThis episode delves into the challenging topic of carbon emissions and other environmental impacts of peacetime and wartime military activities.  From the impact of burning fossils fuels, construction of military bases and the use of concrete, a high carbon-emitter material, in the construction of military bases as well as defensive and offensive structures.  The discussion with Dr Benjamin Neimark, Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, is wide-ranging and urgent, particularly in the face of hot wars in Ukraine and the Gaza, Sudan and Congo genocides.  Dr Neimark discusses his work in the wider context of the lack of mandatory carbon emissions reporting by the military sector to the IPCC, and the ambitious goal of his team to bridge the military emissions data gap.  The ultimate hope is to encourage and foster diverse coalitions between the climate & environmental, social justice and peace movements. Links & Mentions:Dr Benjamin Neimark on LinkedinEcoprecarity: Vulnerable Lives in Literature and Culture by Benjamin NeimarkNational Security and Climate Change: Behind the U.S. Pursuit of Military Exemptions to the Kyoto ProtocolResolution (1997) regarding the conditions for the United States becoming a signatory to any international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

39: I would END IMPUNITY with Cal Major

In episode 39 of the 'If I Ruled The World' podcast, host Gillian Burke records an impromptu episode as she engages in a raw and heartfelt discussion with ocean activist Cal Major. Responding to an Instagram post about the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and the escalation of war in the Middle East in general, Cal Major opens up about her feelings of helplessness and the challenges of speaking out.Together, they explore why the nature & environmental sector remains largely silent on issues of war, the interconnectedness of environmental destruction and military conflict and more nuanced barriers to activism and anti-war campaigning.This candid conversation hopes to inspire more people to speak up and make meaningful connections between human rights and environmental advocacy.Mentions:Our Ocean Podcast | with Cal Major Seaful UK Charity | Protect What You LoveAnti-war protest | London's largest ever protestChilcot Inquiry ReportThe US military and the myth that humans are predisposed to violenceGaza | The most intense bombardments in historyZeteo newsBreaking PointsThe Israel-Palestine ReportDeclassified UK ✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

38: I would DISMANTLE CAPITALISM with Grace Blakeley

Unpacking Modern Capitalism: From Gaza to Global InequalityA deeply introspective and wide-ranging discussion, that explores environmentalism, climate activism, and critiques of capitalism. The conversation dives into the historical context of the Gaza conflict, the inherent authoritarianism in capitalism, and systemic inequalities it inevitably creates positing that socialism is now true democracy. Grace asserts the need for community and collective action being necessary to support the revolutionary change, the challenges faced by those pushing against the status quo, and the potential for revolutionary change fuelled by grassroots movements. Links & Mentions:https://graceblakeley.co.uk/Ellen Mieksin Wood PrizeTony Benn - The Benn LegacyPierre Bourdieu (Habitus)Salvador Allende: The U.S. set the stage for a coup in Chile.Pinochet's human rights abuses.✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

37: I would BAN STOCK MARKETS: Tamsyn Widdon (Green Economics Educator)

In this conversation, Tamsyn Widdon explores the principles of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and its implications for economics, environment, and society. Tamsyn shares her journey from a background in education and development to becoming an economist and advocate for MMT, emphasizing the need to rethink our understanding of money, government spending, and economic growth. The discussion looks at the origins of money, the role of government in shaping economies, and the potential for a new economic future focused on wellbeing rather than profit. The conversation also touches on the importance of democratic engagement and participation in local and national government.Links & MentionsTamsyn Widdon (Green Economics Educator) on InstagramGreen Councillors in CornwallFinding the Money99p Film | Social Cinema | CornwallModern Money Lab - Modern Money Theory events and resources (UK)Modern Money Lab YoutubeJoseph Stiglitz on Youtube "GDP is Flawed... Citizens want depth..."Willem H. Butler "The unfortunate uselessness of most 'state of the art' academic monetary economics"Isabella Webber "Taking Aim at Sellers' Inflation"Robert Solow "Re-thinking Macroeconomic Policy Before the Next Crisis"✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

BONUS: I would CITIZEN'S ARREST the biggest polluters: Gail Lynch (CAN:Citizen's Arrest Network)

In this emergency bonus episode, host Gillian Burke interviews Gail Lynch, an organiser and member of the newly formed Citizens' Arrest Network, discussing the urgent need for new citizen-led approach, based on corporate accountability, to the poor systemic response to climate  and ecological crises. Gail shares her personal journey, the motivations behind the Citizens' Arrest Network, and the legal mechanisms they employ to hold corporations accountable for environmental and societal harm. The discussion emphasises the importance of collective action, community engagement, and the role of individuals in driving systemic change.takeawaysGail emphasises the urgency of addressing climate change and corporate accountability.The Citizens' Arrest Network is a campaign focused on legal mechanisms to hold corporations accountable.Gail's personal journey reflects a deep commitment to environmental justice and activism.The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement in driving change.Gail discusses the legal framework surrounding citizens' arrests and its implications for activism.The need for systemic change is a recurring theme throughout the discussion.Gail encourages listeners to recognize their power as individuals and as a collective.The role of media in shaping public perception of activism is critically examined.Gail's background and experiences inform her approach to activism and community organizing.The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to get involved and support the movement.Linkshttps://www.citizensarrestnetwork.org/Legal Dossier: https://www.citizensarrestnetwork.org/suspects/alastair-cochran✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening