John Barry on “Climate Change” and Meaningful Environmental Action

 

Meet John Barry…

Professor John Barry is the C0-Director of the Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action at Queen's University Belfast, and C0-Chair of the Belfast Climate Commission.

He’s also a recovering politician, public servant, electric-car driving, foldable bicycle riding activist himself, as well as a lover of The Lorax by Dr Seuss — but I’ll let John tell you more about that himself.

In today’s episode we talk about:

  • His origin story as a climate-activist

  • Why we have the wrong end of the stick when it comes to “climate change”

  • What the economy is actually for

  • The wisdom of Dr Seuss, Lord Of The Rings, The Matrix and more

  • And most importantly, what you and I can do to take meaningful action.

Check it out!

This episode is part of our ongoing series with Queens University, where we have the chance to sit down with an interesting student, professor or graduate once a month to hear and share their story.

To find out more and listen to the other episodes in this series, please visit bestofbelfast.org/qub.

Treasure Trove for Bill Neely

What's One Thing Most People Don't Know About You?
As a student in the mid 1980s in Dublin I worked in McDonald's and on my last day stripped off to protest against its policies that were deforesting central America

What's Your Favourite Book?
The Lorax by Dr Seuss

What's Your Favourite Quote?
It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission

Last but not least, is there anything you'd like us to promote?
https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/SECA/
https://www.belfastclimate.org.uk/

How To Listen

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Thanks again to John Barry for taking the time to share his story with us.

See you next time.

— Matt

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Matthew ThompsonQUB