If I Ruled the World by Gillian Burke

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

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

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

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

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

In this conversation, Merlin Hanbury-Tenison shares his multifaceted journey as a veteran, conservationist, and author. He discusses his new book 'Our Oaken Bones', which explores themes of healing through nature, personal trauma, and the interconnectedness of mental health, the environment and a new 'agrorainforestry' model that holds a 1,000 year vision of restoring Britain as a rainforest nation. Merlin reflects on his experiences in Afghanistan, the healing power of the Atlantic temperate rainforest, and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to land use that incorporates food production and the role of apex predators in maintaining ecological balance. The discussion culminates in a vision for a future where humans reclaim their role as stewards of nature, fostering a deeper connection with the environment and addressing issues of male mental health.TakeawaysMerlin identifies as an author, conservationist, and veteran.His book 'Our Oaken Bones' captures personal and environmental healing.Healing can be achieved through nature and personal experiences.Merlin's experiences in Afghanistan shaped his understanding of trauma.The rainforest plays a crucial role in healing both land and people.Moral injury is a significant issue for veterans and needs more attention.Agro-rainforestry can provide sustainable solutions for farming and conservation.Apex predators are essential for maintaining ecological balance.Humans must see themselves as part of nature, not separate from it.Conversations around positive male identity are crucial for mental health.SoundscapeThe sounds at the end of this podcast are field recordings from Cabilla and were recorded by Dr Antti Sakari Saario and Dr D Ferrett, researchers in sound and the environment at the Academy of Music and Theatre Arts, Falmouth University. These sounds feature as part of the audiobook version of Our Oaken Bones and have also been used in an immersive soundscape composition by Antti for a 360-film entitled Gans’n Dhama Wedhen - In the Company of the Mother Tree (2025), directed by Adam Laity and narrated by D Ferrett.MentionsThousand Year TrustCabilla CornwallHouse of Hackney #WeAreNature campagin✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

In this episode of 'If I Ruled the World', host Gillian Burke explores the human cost of conservation with Survival International's Asia Campaigns Director, Sophie Grig.  Conventional 'fortress conservation' models, rooted in colonial ideals of wilderness areas emptied of people, fenced off and defended, with brute force if necessary.  Systemic human rights abuses, mass displacements of tribal peoples, and land grabs are the result.Links & mentionsSurvival International: For tribes, for nature, for all humanityBlack2Nature: Helping inner-city VME children connect with natureWWF accused of deceit, cover-ups and dishonesty, 2021Protecting Human Rights in International Conservation, US Congressional Hearing, 2021WWF Funds Guards Who Have Tortured And Killed People, Buzzfeed News 2019Conservation Refugees: When conservation means kicking people outHow Conservation Contributes to the Displacement of Indigenous Peoplehttps://worldostats.com/protected-land-areas-by-country-global-comparison-2025/✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

Today’s episode is a little bit different... where Gillian gets to the guest on a podcast swap with The Starlit Stories podcast.  Artist and podcaster, Stella Marie for holds space for Gillian to rediscover her voice as she transitions towards quiet quitting the system (see previous episode).  In this episode, the tone and direction is set for the coming year on If I Ruled the World.A huge thank you to Stella for permission to use this interview.  Do check out The Starlit Stories podcast (see links below).Keywords:system change, social justice, environmental justice, decolonisation, empathy, natureMentions:Starlit Stories Podcast with host Stella MarieStella Marie on InstagramThe Man Engine in Cornwall"Three companies responsible for more carbon emmissions than all UK households" from 2021 Tortoise Responsibility 100 Index: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/2021/04/22/sensemaker-210422Kwame Toure quote:From "Radical Discipleship: The Pitfalls of Liberalism""When [the liberal] seeks to talk about change, he always confronts the oppressed rather than the oppressor. He does not seek to influence the oppressor, he seeks to influence the oppressed. He says to the oppressed, time and time again, “You don’t need guns, you are moving too fast, you are too radical, you are too extreme.” He never says to the oppressor, “You are too extreme in your treatment of the oppressed,” because he is powerless among the oppressors, even if he is part of that group; but he has influence, or, at least, he is more powerful than the oppressed, and he enjoys this power by always cautioning, condemning, or certainly trying to direct and lead the movements of the oppressed."✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

The host reflects on the power of storytelling and its role in fostering social justice. They share their personal journey of leaving the BBC to pursue meaningful change. Upcoming guests promise diverse perspectives on conservation and indigenous rights. A deep dive into the challenges of current events showcases the rising need for understanding extremism and historic injustices. Finally, the importance of recognizing our shared humanity through diversity is emphasized, encouraging listeners to engage in critical discussions.

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!As 2024 draws to a close, If I Ruled the World flips the script. Producer Sam takes the reins, interviewing Gillian! Together, they reflect on a groundbreaking year of system-change conversations. From capitalism’s unraveling to the wisdom of nature and indigenous perspectives, Gillian shares her biggest takeaways, lessons learned, and hopes for the future.And the moment you’ve all been waiting for… Gillian reveals what she would do if she ruled the world and why she believes re-establishing the global rule of law and rethinking efficiency are key to building a more just and sustainable future.Key Moments:The Year in ReviewGillian shares her top highlights, including insights from Simeon Rose (Faith in Nature), Leah Penniman (Soul Fire Farm), and Cory DoctorowPenny Drop MomentsLessons from our range of guests this year on centering nature in decision-making, challenging late-stage capitalism, and understanding indigenous perspectives.System Change & the Rule of LawGillian’s manifesto for re-establishing the rule of international law, inspired by Jojo Mehta (Stop Ecocide International) and lessons from Gaza and the global stage.Efficiency vs. ResilienceWhy inefficiency, modelled by nature’s beaver dams, could hold the key to a more sustainable and adaptable future.A Vision for 2025Gillian’s plans for the future of the podcast, the global system, and her reflections on why truth and equity must lead the charge.Follow the show:You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.Follow GillianInstagramWebsiteMentions & ResourcesCarbon DividendsSeth Godin - This is StrategyThe Shock Doctrine - Naomi KleinThe Social Dilemma (Netflix)What would you do if you ruled the world?If you have any insights or feedback on t✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening