THE ADAM BUXTON PODCAST

EP.222 - GEORGE MONBIOT

Mar 4, 2024

Adam and George Monbiot discuss harmful farming practices, boarding schools' impact, changing views on nuclear power, and sources of hope. They chat about cider-making, kayaking, and emotional resilience. The conversation covers family dynamics, trauma from boarding school, and the need for sustainable farming practices.

01:23:30

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Episode guests

George Monbiot

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

George Monbiot advocates for sustainable agriculture to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and river pollution.

Monbiot shares his traumatic boarding school experience, highlighting the detrimental impact on mental health and emotional development.

Monbiot emphasizes the importance of nuclear power as a safer alternative to fossil fuels, urging a shift towards plant-based diets and renewable technologies for environmental sustainability.

Deep dives

George Monbiot's Diverse Career and Environmental Activism

George Monbiot, a British writer, journalist, and environmental activist, born in 1963, studied zoology at Oxford University and embarked on a career in investigative journalism covering politics, economics, and environmental science. Monbiot has authored numerous books, such as 'Captive State' and 'Feral', advocating for conservation and rewilding damaged ecosystems. He founded The Land is Ours campaign for countryside access rights and highlighted issues like loneliness through collaborations with musicians. His upcoming book, 'Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism', exposes the influence of wealthy elites in promoting consumerism over citizenship.

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Diverse Career and Contributions of a Renowned Environmental Activist

4min

Exploring the Hidden World of Soil

9min

Rethinking Farming Practices for Environmental Sustainability

16min

Exploring Cider-making and Kayaking Adventures

7min

Family Dynamics and Emotional Resilience

11min

The Harsh Realities of Boarding School

22min

Towards a Sustainable Future

5min

Trapped Between Trauma and Entertainment

7min

10.

Heartfelt Farewell and Gratitude to Listeners

2min

Adam and British writer, journalist, and environmental activist George Monbiot go for a walk around the parks and woodland of Bristol and talk about the harmful aspects of farming, what George does for a good time, why being sent away to boarding school was a disaster, responding to criticism of his work, why he changed his mind about nuclear power, and what gives him hope.

This conversation was recorded on 26th April, 2023

Thanks to Séamus Murphy-Mitchell for production support and conversation editing.

Podcast artwork by Helen Green

RELATED LINKS

INVISIBLE DOCTRINE - THE SECRET HISTORY OF NEOLIBERALISM (PRE-ORDER) - 2024 (PENGUIN)

THE LAND IS OURS

ARTICLES, BOOKS, ETC by GEORGE MONBIOT (MONBIOT.COM)

GEORGE MONBIOT - RIVERCIDE - 2022 (YOUTUBE)

REVIEW OF REGENESIS by Gaia Vince - 2022 (GUARDIAN)

GEORGE MONBIOT'S FARMING FANTASIES by John Lewis-Stempel - 2023 (UNHERD)

GEORGE MONBIOT AND EWAN McLENNAN - BREAKING THE SPELL OF LONELINESS (Short video about the musical collaboration) - 2016 (YOUTUBE)

THE AGE OF LONELINESS IS KILLING US by George Monbiot - 2016 9THE GUARDIAN)