Rahul Mohan

Environment Agency

Give us a brief description of your background

I am currently the Net Zero Carbon Sustainability Lead for the Environment Agency, and my role is to lead on the strategic delivery of the Environment Agency's response to the Climate Emergency.

My background consists of an MEng in Mechanical Engineering, from which I worked through multiple consultancies delivering on major projects within sustainability, construction, and engineering for both the public and private sectors.

Who/what inspires you?

The stories of all the families and children who have had to immigrate.

With parents who were displaced by the Sri-Lankan civil war, and family and friends who are being displaced by the impacts of climate change. Seeing the resilience of all those individuals, gives me the fundamental drive and inspiration to do the work I do.

What does the word leadership make you think of?

Mothers! I believe that this a perfect example of what leadership is, as it captures the multiple permutations of what leadership could be, what it could look like and how it could be delivered – but something we all fundamentally require.

How do you feel about taking part in the Future Leaders programme?

Humbled and privileged. There are not many other opportunities to work alongside other incredible young thinkers and do-ers, with the goal of collectively growing and developing.

What do you think are the keys to a sustainable future?

Tackling Inequality - an intersectional and systems thinking approach is required to ensure our transition to a sustainable future is done in an equitable, circular, nature positive and low carbon way.

Global collaboration and accountability – Addressing our global historical past will better equip us to become resilient to the issues of the present and mitigate the challenges of the future.

Systemic Change – A sustainable future is going to need radical change.