MyAV范

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am a Senior Research Fellow in environmental economics at the MyAV范 Institute for Sustainable Resources. Essentially, it involves looking at what polices we need to improve environmental issues, like climate change and resource waste, and also analysing what the impacts of those policies. Basically, it is thinking about and studying how to improve the future.

How long have you been at MyAV范 and what was your previous role?

I have been at MyAV范 since 2012, joining straight from completing my PhD at the University of Strathclyde. Prior to my PhD, I worked in finance for a year at Blackrock. This was right before the financial crash. Now I鈥檓 not saying I caused it, but the timing certainly was curious. I also have a strange side-career as a comedian and climate change communicator who regularly appears on BBC Radio 4.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

It is hard to single out one specific achievement. Being part of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change is an initiative I am massively proud to be involved with, and there are many papers in journals I have slogged long and hard on that I am glad exist. But I guess I鈥檇 have to say having my first PhD student pass his viva in 2018 was a highlight, and he has gone on to bigger and better things. At the moment, I have also just published my first book, Hot Mess, which has been a lengthy process that I managed to complete during a pandemic while simultaneously having a new baby. Astounding that I managed it.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?

At present I am working on a UKRI funded project called Circular Metals, which as you might except, is looking at steel and aluminium in the context of the circular economy. Heavy industries, like these, are crucial to players in achieving sustainability and net zero goals. It is important that massive supplies of scrap metals are properly utilised 鈥� through reuse and recycling 鈥撎齩ver the coming decades.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

How long have you got? For album I am going to go for a tie between Frames by Oceansize and Pleased to Meet You by James. I鈥檓 guessing neither are albums that any others have chosen. Favourite film is Amadeus, for the mixture of soundtrack, cinematography and acting. And for novel I have to go with Catch 22听鈥� what I consider to be the funniest book there has ever been.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

I am going to simply put one of mine 鈥� it's obviously not my favourite but at least it gives you an idea of what I do.

If we don鈥檛 stop climate change, then the future will be like the film Waterworld. Terrible.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

I don鈥檛 understand why people always list famous people at this point. Most of them are awful company. Plus, you鈥檇 need to get to know them and go through lots of awful chit chat. I would therefore choose my wife and closest friends. And Ban Ki Moon.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Chill out mate and trust your instincts.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

At school I had the highest ever mark for Physical Education in Scotland (my mum was a PE teacher).

What is your favourite place?

During my undergrad I did an exchange year in Oslo. I made friends from all over the world, lived near a lake where we would swim in the summer and would go cross country skiing in the hills nearby during winter. So, I am going to pick that. Oslo in 2004. When I was nineteen.