Drilled

In this discussion, Ruth E. McKie, an expert in climate politics from De Montfort University, teams up with M. Omar Faruque, a researcher focused on climate policy at Queen's University. They delve into how historical injustices and energy poverty shape climate commitments in the Global South. The conversation exposes how fossil fuel development is justified and critiqued, revealing the clash between development models and climate action. The guests advocate for local mobilization and legal strategies to combat climate obstruction, offering a glimmer of hope in grassroots efforts.

Anna Karen Sather, a journalist and project leader at the Norwegian Climate Foundation, critiques the myths of Norway's oil narrative, including dispelling claims of 'climate-friendly' production and the necessity of oil for economic health. Anne Catherine Vårger, Climate Policy Manager at Offshore Norway, shares insights on the industry's climate targets and carbon capture solutions. Together, they unravel the complexities of Norwegian oil's role in the energy transition and challenge the sustainability of current fossil fuel reliance.

Karen Elliott House, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and former Wall Street Journal publisher, delves into Saudi Arabia's dramatic transformation under Mohammed bin Salman. She discusses MBS's risky blend of social reforms and political repression and how this impacts global oil dynamics. House reveals the tension between Saudi ambitions and environmental goals, as well as the kingdom's strategic ties with China. She also shares poignant memories of Jamal Khashoggi and highlights the obsession with image management in today's Saudi society.

Abdul El-Sayed, a physician and former public health official seeking a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, dives into his vision for combating corporate power and expanding healthcare. He shares insights on how pollution directly affects health and emphasizes the need for compassionate masculinity in today's society. El-Sayed discusses the impact of corporate interests on young men, urging for regulation of industries that exploit them. He critiques the myth of individualism in public health, advocating for community responsibility and authentic leadership in politics.

Julia Fortsammer, co-founder of the Norwegian non-profit Klimakultur, dives into the world of "petroganda," revealing how the oil industry influences culture and public perception in Norway. She discusses how fossil fuel propaganda targets children through events like Equinor-sponsored coding camps, intertwining politics and oil in community activities. Julia highlights the challenges of accurate climate communication and the industry’s attempts to shift responsibility to consumers, exposing the systemic ties between state, culture, and oil that sustain extraction narratives.

Kathrin Lauber, an academic at the University of Edinburgh, and Silvia Secchi, a researcher at the University of Iowa, dive into the tactics used by the meat and dairy industries to dodge climate regulations. They discuss how agricultural exceptionalism and powerful lobbying prevent meaningful policy changes. Kathrin reveals the industry's backlash against pivotal reports on livestock emissions, while Silvia highlights the historical strategies employed to counteract regulation. Together, they illuminate the complexities behind governmental resistance to animal agriculture reform.

Jen Schneider, a researcher at Boise State University, and Gregory Trencher from Kyoto University, dive into the tactics used by the coal, utilities, and transportation industries to obstruct climate policies. They discuss how these industries combine forces, leveraging rhetoric like fearmongering and the illusion of grassroots support to maintain fossil fuel reliance. The duo also explores the impact of political changes on industry strategies and how unions align with industry interests, while offering insights on exposing corporate lobbying efforts.

Kari Norgaard, a sociologist and author, explores how cultural norms in Norway shape the public's response to climate change denial. Silja Ask-Lundberg, a researcher at Oil Change International, critiques the oil industry's pervasive influence on social values. Together, they delve into the paradox of Norway's green image clashing with its oil production. They discuss the societal pride tied to oil jobs, the cultural roots of Norway's oil identity, and how collective narratives sustain a reluctance to critique fossil fuel dependence.

Wen Stephenson, a journalist, climate activist, and author of *Learning to Live in the Dark*, shares powerful insights on confronting climate despair. He explores the necessity of embracing despair as a pathway to action while distinguishing it from nihilism. Wen discusses the connection between totalitarianism and fossil fuels, and advocates for bold climate movement strategies. He emphasizes the importance of radical commitment, solidarity, and collective action, arguing that a resurgent left is essential for effective climate advocacy.

Kert Davies, Director at the Center for Climate Integrity, Geoff Dembicki, Global Managing Editor at DeSmog, and Kristoffer Ekberg, an Associate Senior Lecturer at Lund University, dive deep into the fossil fuel industry's elaborate tactics of climate obstruction. They explore the shift from outright denial to subtler forms of obfuscation, the use of corporate partnerships with academia to shape narratives, and how economic scare tactics have influenced public perception. The discussion also touches on the industry's role in international agreements and the recent rise of blatant denial in politics.