1. What is the smallest change you have made in your career that has had the biggest positive result?
When I decided to become politically active in topics on which I have a lot of knowledge, alongside my professional career. I was spurred on by the 5-Star Movement, which encourages citizens to get up from their sofa and do their best to improve the lives of citizens, without delegating everything to others.
2. Is there anything you have personally achieved or done that would surprise people?
I think it was quite a surprise for my friends and colleagues when I was elected as an MEP. But I must say that my entire life has been made up of different choices and steps - not always ones that I desired - that have driven me to defend the environment, in particular the sea. My passion led me to my university studies, followed by my professional career, and now a political adventure. Those who knew me as a biologist might find it surprising that I am now fighting the fight here, from a different point of view.
3. What do you do in your free time to relax and unwind?
At the moment I have very little time to spend with my wife and my three children, so free time is usually for them. I also love music - especially live, I attend as many concerts as I can - reading books and watching basketball games.
4. What was the most inspirational and influential book you have read and why?
I could make a long list. It depends on what my life is like when I read the book, and what I am doing at that time. Recent books I have read and that are related to my work in Parliament committees are 'This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate' by Naomi Klein, and 'The Tragedy of the Commodity: Oceans, Fisheries, and Aquaculture' by Stefano Longo, Rebecca Clausen and Brett Clark. The first gave me a strong push to fight climate change, giving me a new perspective on things that I agreed with.
5. What one item would you save from your house or apartment/ house if it was on fire?
My Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler CDs and vinyl collection. I can't live without great music. But I can't forget my laptop: it contains 20 years' worth of work, including the original text of my published books.
Want more 5Qs? Check out our chat with Daniel Dalton.