Feargal Sharkey, former punk rock star turned environmental campaigner, discusses his campaign to clean up Britain's waterways and the battle against the privatised water industry. They also talk about systemic problems in the UK water industry, their upbringing in Northern Ireland during the troubles, and the challenges musicians face in the digital age.
Feargal Sharkey is leading a campaign to clean up Britain's waterways, highlighting the role of privatized water companies and regulators in polluting the rare river ecosystems for profit.
Sharky advocates for proactive regulation of the water industry, including enforcement orders by the government to control investments and operations, ensuring the well-being of customers and the environment.
Deep dives
The Fight to Clean Up Britain's Waterways
Fergal Sharky, former punk rocker and music industry executive, has become a prominent advocate for cleaning up and protecting Britain's waterways. His campaign began when he became involved in the regeneration of a stretch of the River Lee, which was dying due to poor water quality. Sharky's efforts led to a nationwide campaign to clean up rivers and beaches across the country. He believes that the privatized water companies and regulators are major contributors to the pollution, obstructing the rare river ecosystems and damaging the environment for profit. He calls for stricter regulation and proactive measures by the government to ensure the interests of the customers, billpayers, and the environment.
Privatization and Corruption in the UK Water Industry
Sharky highlights the unique privatization of the water industry in England and the resulting state-granted monopolies for profit. He argues that such companies require proactive and hands-on regulation to ensure the well-being of both customers and the environment. He criticizes the diversion of funding from sewage systems to shareholders and bondholders, resulting in inadequate infrastructure and environmental damage. Sharky suggests possible solutions, including enforcement orders by the government to control and direct the companies' investments and operations.
Challenges and Controversies in the Music Industry
Sharky also discusses the challenges faced by musicians in the digital age, where their music is often downloaded extensively but generates minimal rewards. He expresses concerns about the exploitation of artists by technology companies and multinational record labels, calling for a rebalancing of payment systems and distribution methods to benefit the artists. Additionally, he mentions the impact of Brexit on touring musicians, highlighting the increased bureaucracy and costs associated with performing in Europe.
Stephen Sackur speaks to the former punk rock star turned environmental campaigner Feargal Sharkey. He is leading the campaign to clean up Britain’s waterways with fishermen and conservationists pitted against the privatised water industry and state regulators. Can he reverse the tide of environmental degradation?
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode