The Mythic Masculine Carbon Bros and Climate Change - Daniel Waite Penny
Jul 30, 2025
Daniel Waite Penny is a journalist and cultural critic exploring the intricate ties between masculinity and climate change. He discusses how right-wing ideologies and the manosphere undermine effective climate action among men. The conversation highlights the misleading narrative of meritocracy, critiques dominance-based masculinity exemplified by figures like Trump, and emphasizes redefining masculinity to foster environmental advocacy. Penny also touches on the need for inclusivity in green jobs and the importance of community connection in tackling the climate crisis.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Fossil Fuel Targeting of Men
- Fossil fuel companies target older conservative white men with climate denial messaging.
- This demographic was identified as most receptive to anti-climate change campaigns in the 1990s.
Masculinity and Environmental Destruction
- Environmental destruction is linked to hegemonic masculinity rooted in Enlightenment and religious ideas.
- Nature is feminized, while human culture and action are masculinized, shaping gendered views of the environment.
Left's Failure to Inspire Young Men
- The left struggles to offer young men a meaningful, noble vision unlike the right's bold dominance narratives.
- This leaves young men drawn to right-wing campaigns like MAGA for a sense of belonging and power.
