Full Name and Title
Martin Bush, Regional Organizer for Southern Ontario
Short Biography
Martin has worked overseas in Africa and the Caribbean on natural resources management projects for the last 35 years. He is a specialist on climate change management and renewable energy, and has written extensively on policies which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the threat of extreme weather caused by climate change. He has published two books on climate change and renewable energy. Finally, he has a PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Sheffield in the UK, and a MSc in protected landscape management.
Why did you join the climate movement/what pushed you to become interested in climate change issues?
As an engineer, I know that solar energy and wind power are a critical part of the solution to the climate crisis. Extreme weather is threatening the islands in the Caribbean, where I have worked and lived for several years. I want to help to protect those islands.
What is one achievement you are proud of?
Leading the teams that worked to protect two national parks in Madagascar.
What are some climate change initiatives you are currently taking part in?
I am a member of environmental groups in Richmond Hill and Markham. In Richmond Hill, we are working to incentivise electric vehicles. I am a member of the Markham Environmental Advisory Committee and we are leading the effort to get the municipality to declare a climate emergency.
What do you think is the most effective way for people to take climate action?
To organise and coordinate action in order to influence policy at the municipal level.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I survived a terrorist attack in Khartoum, a home invasion in Guinea-Conakry, and the earthquake in Haiti.