Drilled

Joana Setzer, an associate professor at the London School of Economics and an expert in climate law and litigation, discusses how legal frameworks can combat climate obstruction. She highlights the growing trend of climate litigation, with over 3,000 cases worldwide, and notable legal strategies employed against corporations. Joana also explores the role of attribution science in court, successful greenwashing challenges, and the impact of the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on climate obligations for states. She warns about legal tactics that obstruct climate action while advocating for stronger protections for activists.

Natasha Hakimi Zapata, a journalist and author, shares her insights on progressive policies globally. She highlights Uruguay’s remarkable shift to renewable energy, achieving 98% renewable electricity in just two years, which drastically reduced poverty rates. Natasha emphasizes the importance of framing renewable transitions as economic opportunities rather than just climate issues. She discusses the role of crises in catalyzing reforms and links renewable energy with social justice, showcasing hopeful examples from both abroad and within the U.S.

Katharine Hayhoe, a renowned climate scientist and communicator, joins Amy Westervelt to dissect the recent COP30 outcomes. They delve into the troubling influence of fossil fuel companies at COP, discussing the need for reform in negotiation processes. Hayhoe emphasizes the importance of integrating science with community values to drive climate action. They also explore the potential of regional climate weeks and the momentum behind the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, highlighting a cautious optimism amidst industry pushback.

Laura Kuehl, an expert in climate adaptation, and Stacey Ann Robinson, an authority on environmental sciences in small islands, delve into the contentious politics of climate adaptation. They reveal how powerful actors like developers and governments resist necessary reforms, often sidelining vulnerable communities. The discussion highlights the role of donors in shaping adaptation priorities and the dangers of framing that obscures justice. The podcast also addresses the critical gaps in research around adaptation obstruction, making a case for more clarity in this understudied area.

After a brief hiatus, the hosts dive into a rich mailbag of listener queries. They discuss how vocational psychology can aid climate de-radicalization and share strategies for engaging men in male-dominated workplaces. A lively debate on intersectionality versus solidarity highlights the complexities of climate politics. They also explore how masculinity can be a gateway to climate denial. The episode tackles the fragmentation of movements, funding disparities, and the historical context of political violence, all while addressing contemporary issues concerning protest and repression.

Jessica F. Green, a political science professor at the University of Toronto and author of "Existential Politics," critiques the effectiveness of COP negotiations. She argues that the current win-win approach neglects the need for accountability, especially targeting powerful fossil asset owners. Green exposes the flaws in carbon accounting and the commodification of carbon offsets, presenting 'radical pragmatism' as a necessary shift. She highlights how wealth inequality drives emissions and discusses potential reforms, including global taxes to empower green stakeholders.

This discussion features Kari de Pryck, an academic from the University of Geneva focused on climate governance, and Eduardo Viola, a scholar from Brazil specializing in international environmental politics. They explore how obstruction shapes climate negotiations, highlighting tactics used by countries like Saudi Arabia and the U.S. The duo explains the impact of industry influence on the IPCC and COP, and discusses the vagueness of responsibility sharing. They also delve into what to expect at COP30, especially concerning Brazil's civil society role and geopolitical dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Bård Lahn, a researcher and advocate focused on activism and policy, shares insights on how Norway can envision a future less dependent on oil. He explores the roles of community, emotions, and activism in influencing political change. Bård also highlights how Sami philosophy, with its principle of taking only what you need, could reshape consumption patterns in Norway. The conversation emphasizes the importance of aligning Norway’s actions with its values amidst a changing climate.

Rebecca Bromley-Trujillo, a political scientist, and Joshua A. Basseches, an environmental politics scholar, delve into the complex role of local governments in climate action. They discuss how local authorities can either obstruct or advance climate policy, influenced by public opinion and party control. The conversation highlights the impact of fossil fuel interests and utilities on climate decisions, as well as regional differences in climate action in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. They offer insights on navigating polarization while pursuing clean energy initiatives.

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.