Green.org sat down with Garry Anthony Johnson, the founder and CEO of Paradise Express, to learn how his entrepreneurial background led him to investing in environmentally friendly maritime operations.
Garry, thanks for being here. Tell us a little bit about you and your background:
I was trained as an Architect, though I grew up surrounded by the maritime world. For over 25 years, I’ve worked in community redevelopment efforts in New York City, particularly around affordable housing, commercial development and MWBE economic development.
What would you do with $1 Billion dollars?
I would continue to invest in and develop cutting-edge environmentally friendly maritime operations particularly focusing on the nascent Offshore Wind marketplace, as well as Maritime Tourism and Waterfront development in disadvantaged communities.
Why do you think climate change and sustainability is such an important topic today?
Climate change is visibly affecting our planet, our communities and our economic future. We must not only recognize these changes but position our citizens to work in the careers being opened up in these industries, either to mitigate the climate’s effects on communities, especially waterfronts, or to work in renewable energy industries, such as Offshore Wind, Solar and Electric Vehicles.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
In 10 Years, New York will be receiving a growing portion of its energy from Offshore Wind, but this process will take 20 or even 30 years before we achieve possibly 50% contribution from renewable energies to the grid.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
The average person should always be cognizant about their energy use and minimize their carbon impact wherever possible. Changing bulbs to more efficient LEDs can significantly lower energy costs and resulting energy demand. Converting to EVs or hybrid-vehicles, especially for short range trips, is also highly recommended, and there are a variety of affordable vehicles on the market, not just the big names you hear every day.
