Today, we explore the complex interplay of social, industrial, and environmental factors in shaping our world. In this thought-provoking episode, we are joined by Candace Rondeaux, a distinguished investigative journalist and academic. Candace delves into the pressing issues of climate change, discussing the intricate connections between digitisation, decarbonisation, and the future of democracy, and the urgent need for ethical leadership in addressing these global challenges. Key Takeaways: Candace's Journey into Russian Affairs: An overview of Candace's unexpected foray into studying Russian mercenaries. Her journey from journalism to academia. Nature, Climate Crisis, and Geopolitics: Exploring the intersection of natural phenomena, the climate crisis, and global politics. The impact of these factors on the current geopolitical landscape. Global Changes and Personal Impact: How major global shifts affect individual lives and societal norms. Reflecting on political stories from the 90s and their relevance today. Energy Transition Challenges: Discussing the difficulties in transitioning to sustainable energy sources. The potential workforce implications of such transitions. Digitisation, Decarbonisation, and Democracy: The role of digitisation and decarbonisation in shaping the future of democracy. Candace's insights on digital currencies and their energy consumption. Ethical Leadership for Industrial Change: The critical need for progressive and ethical leadership in industrial and environmental sectors. Candace's views on the moral compass required for preserving a balanced ecosystem. Personal and Global Environmental Connections: Candace's personal relationship with nature and the environment. Discussions on the influence and responsibilities of billionaires in shaping humanity's future. Follow the show: You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice. Connect with Candace: X (Twitter) Follow Gillian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillians_voice/ Website: https://www.gillianburkevoice.com/ Soundscape from Ulvenhout, Netherlands   What would you do if you ruled the world? If you have any insights or feedback on today’s episode or you have an idea for how the world could be a better place, drop me an email on [email protected] A final thank you to our wonderful sponsors Triodos Bank UK for making this podcast happen. Produced by Soundquake Edited by Jake-Lee Savage