In 2019, the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust became the first health organisation in the world to declare a climate emergency. In this interview James Dixon, Associate Director - Sustainability at the Trust, tells Gareth Kane the very personal story behind this landmark move. James reveals how he was suffering climate-related depression and was contemplating civil disobedience - and a potential jail sentence - but was persuaded by his wife to channel his efforts into more practical change in his sphere of influence.

We discuss a wide range of issues including:

• Establishing an internal Sustainability brand

• How declaring a climate emergency opened the floodgates of action

• The importance of building internal and external networks

• "Healthier planet, healthier people" as a motto

• The challenges of delivering change in a 24/7 high profile environment

• How baby Rosie became the first UK baby to be delivered with the help of a low emissions gas & air system

• The carbon footprint of Gareth's hernia

This interview is available on the Net Zero Business Podcast

https://shows.acast.com/655cb69d415230001259567c/episodes

It is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - Bringing Sustainability to Life

http://www.terrainfirma.co.uk

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