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Mario Veen '03 is an interdisciplinary researcher focused on how social interactions can address the climate and ecological crises. He examines the role of professionals in translating scientific insights into effective climate action. With a background in Cultural Analysis and a PhD in Discursive Psychology, Mario now serves as an Associate Professor at the Utrecht School of Applied Sciences. He also hosts the Life From Plato’s Cave podcast, where he engages with experts to explore philosophical and practical perspectives on global challenges. Later this month, his new book Hoe Plato Je Uit Je Grot Sleurt will be released. We had the opportunity to dive deeper with Mario into the many topics he explores through his work and his wide-ranging interests.

Can you tell us more about your upcoming book on Plato’s allegory of the cave?

I first learned about Plato's allegory in a UCU Philosophy 101 Summer Course in 2001. It's probably the most famous story in Western philosophy. Since then, I have only found it to be an increasingly accurate diagnosis of the human condition. However, I have also noticed that many interpretations of the allegory miss its nuances and draw unwarranted conclusions.

 is my first attempt at public philosophy, translating Plato's allegory for our time and exploring how it can help us navigate challenges ranging from petty misunderstandings to the climate crisis. It will be published in Dutch, and I am currently seeking an international publisher for the English version.

What inspired you to start your podcast, Life from Plato's Cave, and how has it evolved since its launch?

The Plato book, actually. At the time, I was working on it but didn't have the bandwidth to finish. On top of that, I discovered I technically qualify as a millennial, but I didn’t have a podcast. So I thought it would be a good idea to ask others about their interpretation of Plato’s allegory—philosophers, scientists, activists, and so on. The focus of the is still on interdisciplinary philosophy, but many episodes now address the climate and ecological crises.

I've interviewed quite a few UCU alumni: ,, , and . In each episode, I try to relate their expertise to an aspect of Plato's allegory. For me, this is a combination of conducting public research and providing a free educational resource. The podcast keeps evolving as my interests evolve.

In your view, what does it mean to be a professional during times of climate and ecological crisis, and how can professionals best contribute to addressing these challenges?

This is a big question, but I believe professionals are pivotal in addressing the climate crisis. In 2024, every professional is a climate professional. That’s why my research at the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht focuses specifically on the role of professionals in the climate crisis. They bridge individual courage and action with system-level change. Health professionals, for instance, recognize climate change as the greatest threat to public health today. Moreover, they are trusted on scientific matters across political spectrums, which gives them the potential to shift public discourse on climate and drive meaningful action. The same applies to security professionals who view the climate crisis as a security issue, and legal professionals who see it as a matter of justice. Journalists can help shield the public from spread by fossil fuel companies.

In 2024, every professional is a climate professional.

My hope lies with professionals because they adhere to a professional oath and ethics, and they maintain a forward-looking perspective. However, this means that professionals, above all, must confront the climate crisis head-on, even if it brings them face-to-face with an existential crisis. I fully agree with Jem Bendell when he writes, "If you are a young person, then you will have to live with the future that is to come, not the one that older professionals prefer when dismissing realistic conclusions as merely negative thinking."