Drilled

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.

Max Boykoff, an environmental studies professor at the University of Colorado, and Melissa Aronczyk, a communications expert at Rutgers University, delve into how media and PR shape climate narratives. Boykoff discusses bias in balanced reporting, while Aronczyk reveals the PR ecosystem influencing public perception. They highlight the impact of corporate media ownership on climate skepticism and the role of social media in amplifying disinformation. The conversation underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to foster better climate action.

John Cook, a senior research fellow specializing in climate misinformation, and Dominik A. Stecuła, a political scientist exploring public opinion and polarization, delve into the mechanics of misinformation. They discuss how false claims impact beliefs more than intent, and the powerful role of elite cues in shaping public opinion. The duo highlights how social media complicates the information landscape and explains the importance of framing solutions to align with values. Their insights illuminate why traditional fact-checking is often not enough to combat widespread misinformation.

Jesse Bryant, a doctoral candidate at Yale focused on far-right climate politics, and Dieter Plehwe from the University of Kassel, who studies climate obstruction, dive into the alarming ties between right-wing populism and climate action resistance. They discuss how authoritarianism is rising in the U.S. and Europe, the political implications of Catholicism, and the repurposing of climate narratives into immigration debates. Plus, they unravel the shadowy world of influential think tanks and the techniques employed to stall meaningful climate change efforts.

Join Timmons Roberts, a climate expert from Brown University, Jennifer Jacquet from the University of Miami, Rio de Janeiro's Carlos Milani, and Australian National University’s Christian Downie as they dissect the deliberate political obstruction of climate action. They unveil the tactics of industries like fossil fuels and agriculture that fuel the crisis, while advocating for urgent reforms. Explore the often-hidden influences of think tanks and PR firms that muddy public understanding and discuss how to effectively counteract this obstruction through law and policy.

In this engaging discussion, Casey Michel, a keen observer of political corruption and author of *Foreign Agents*, joins Adam Lowenstein, a reporter specializing in climate and democracy. They delve into the staggering levels of corruption during the second Trump administration and how foreign influence has eroded U.S. governance. The conversation also touches on the historical parallels in corporate ethics and lobbying tactics, revealing the normalization of questionable dealings and the impact on democracy and transparency today.

In this engaging discussion, political economist Mark Blyth, a Brown University professor focused on climate change politics, unpacks the notion of 'carbon dominance.' He critiques the U.S. approach to renewable energy, contrasting it with China's innovative strategies. Blyth highlights how right-wing populism influences public sentiment against wind power while exposing the political battles over climate policies. The conversation also delves into global trends, illustrating how American populism shapes energy dynamics worldwide.

Colin Davis, a dynamic fitness coach and former wrestler, teams up with Abdul El-Sayed, a political commentator and former gubernatorial candidate, to tackle the role of men in the climate movement. They explore how to integrate new ideas of masculinity into climate advocacy. The duo critiques traditional male societal constructs that prioritize job security over environmental concerns. They also discuss the need for a caring masculinity that inspires compassion and proactive engagement in addressing climate challenges.

Vivian Taylor, a climate policy expert and dedicated transgender rights activist, reveals the shocking ties between fossil fuel billionaires and anti-trans campaigns. She discusses how divisive narratives distract from critical climate issues, highlighting the overlap between anti-trans and anti-climate movements. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for marginalized communities to unite against social division and environmental degradation, advocating for a more inclusive approach to tackle these pressing injustices.

A landmark verdict doubles damages in a controversial trial over the Dakota Access Pipeline, raising alarms for Indigenous rights and climate activism. Energy Transfer claims a victory for free speech, while the verdict highlights a troubling increase in corporate rights over individual freedoms. The courtroom drama reveals deep divides within the community and the human toll of the oil boom, as local residents grapple with health crises. The emotional aftermath underscores the enduring fight for environmental justice and the legacy of movements like Standing Rock.