What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel Ep 163 with Zack Polanski (Part 1)
16 snips
Aug 9, 2025 
Zack Polanski, Deputy Leader of the Green Party, shares his unique journey from theater to politics, revealing how systemic barriers fueled his passion for change. He discusses reframing climate action to focus on corporate responsibility rather than individual choices. Zack delves into the importance of a leadership approach that fosters community, critiques the electoral system, and emphasizes climate policies that address inequality. Plus, he highlights the power of art and collective action in combating despair and building a more hopeful future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Climate Action Must Tackle Corporate Power
- Polanski rejects the carbon-footprint focus as a distraction that lets corporations off the hook.
- He insists climate action must target corporate power and systemic inequality, not only individual behaviour.
Start With Anger, Then Offer Hope
- Connect with people's anger before offering solutions to build trust and credibility.
- Then convert that anger into hope by proposing tangible policies like taxing the super-rich.
Use Team Leadership To Scale Effort
- Build a leadership team rather than a single figure to spread campaigning and constituency work.
- Elect deputies and let MPs focus on constituency representation while others grow the movement.