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Jamie Osborn is a climate activist, a communications manager for a green energy and decarbonisation charity, and a Green Party councillor. At the time of recording (January 2024) Jamie was preparing to stand for The Green Party in the forthcoming general election (though its date had yet to be announced) and was aiming to be the member of parliament (MP) for Norwich South. *
Jamie explains that there was no 'lightbulb' moment when he became aware of green issues and climate change, but recounts an amusing story of printing posters to encourage his fellow primary school pupils to switch off the lights to reduce electricity usage.
A University of Cambridge graduate in English literature, Jamie started studying for a masters in sustainability and behaviour change at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales. It is something he may go back to, but with a small child, his commitments as a city and county councillor in Norwich and Norfolk and a part-time job as media and communications manager for the Cheshire-based MCS Foundation he can't quite fit it all in.
Besides, as host Sandra points out, he is walking the walk now. Not only through his work for the Green Party, but also through the foundation, which has a mission of decarbonisation and actively promoting renewable energy, and retro-fitting UK homes at scale.
The foundation also advocates equipping the next generation of workers with skills, through education and apprenticeships, the result of its 'What Gen-Z want from a Green Job' report.
Recapping on his own career path Jamie points out to listeners that an education like his is not necessarily the best route into a green career. He went from:
Jamie politely but firmly pushes back on the view that Gen Y and Gen Z are apathetic when it comes to politics, and says they don't have time to give to being active while they are working to pay their living costs and bringing up young families. However, he does urge all listeners to register to vote, if they haven't already, and says a postal vote is the easiest way to exercise voting rights once registered – it's also free.
Finally, Jamie has found satisfaction and some peace as a result of his own roles and activities – a sentiment echoed by Leora Shlasko in S1 E3.
* Post-July general election update - Jamie Osborn (Green Party) polled 8,245 votes, second to Clive Lewis (Labour) who polled 21,484 votes in Norwich South.
Lots of people talk about eco-anxiety and being worried and scared about climate change, which we should be. I'm much less anxious (though maybe not less scared) since I've been working on it full-time. I feel like I'm putting what I can into doing something about it. It gives me a very small sense of control.
Beat eating disorders charity
Oxfam
The MCS Foundation
The Green Party (UK)
Apprenticeships in the UK
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales
Season 3 Episode 1: Sarah Daly, sustainability consultant and climate champion
Season 2 Episode 1: Lydia Carrington, sustainability manager, Edgbaston Stadium
Season 2 Episode 5: Kurt Henderson, senior product designer, Byway Travel
Season 1 Episode 3: Leora Shlasko and Laura Yeates of the Sustainable Recruitment Alliance
Season 1 Episode 9: Sanjukta Jitendhar, architect at Mikhail Riches
Season 1 Episode 10: Duncan Goose founder of Global Ethics and One Water
