Drilled

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.

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.