Democracy Now! Audio

Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's first Minister of Indigenous Peoples and a passionate advocate for indigenous rights, discusses the importance of indigenous participation and land demarcation at COP30. Carlos Nobre, an esteemed climatologist, warns about the Amazon nearing a tipping point due to deforestation and highlights the dire consequences of livestock emissions. Nikki Reich provides vital insights into climate displacement, emphasizing the need for legal protections for climate-displaced individuals and adaptation finance. Together, they advocate for urgent climate action and sustainable policies.

Susana Mohamed, former Colombian Minister of Environment, and Lina Yassine, a Sudanese climate researcher, dive deep into critical climate issues. Mohamed discusses the urgent need for a fossil fuel phase-out and highlights the Amazon's risks and indigenous protests against the oil lobby. Yassine emphasizes the adaptation needs of the Least Developed Countries and the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, stressing that wealthy nations must finance resilient solutions. Together, they address the interconnectedness of climate justice and geopolitics.

Ilan Zugman, a Brazilian climate activist and 350.org regional head, discusses Brazil's environmental policies, emphasizing the contradictions in Lula's administration regarding deforestation and oil exploration in the Amazon. Diana Chavez, a member of the Pastaza Quechua Nation, speaks passionately about indigenous land rights and the urgent need for territorial recognition. Kumi Naidoo, a human rights advocate, highlights fossil fuel politics and the essential need for global climate finance, calling for the empowerment of the Global South in addressing climate injustices.

Viviana Santiago, Executive Director of Oxfam Brazil, discusses the urgent need for climate justice and Amazon protection during COP30. Leila Salazar-López, from Amazon Watch, highlights the threats to indigenous sovereignty from mining and fossil fuels. Asad Rehman, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth, analyzes the negotiations, emphasizing equity and financing for a just transition. The guests shed light on the tensions surrounding Lula's policies and the urgent demands for action to prevent an ecological tipping point.

William (Bill) Hartung, a Senior Research Fellow and co-author of The Trillion Dollar War Machine, delves into the staggering rise of U.S. military spending and its implications for the arms industry. He discusses the influence of autonomous weapons and tech myths in warfare, and the bipartisan support fueling military budgets. Tasha Van Auken, field director for Zoran Mamdani's mayoral campaign, shares insights on her team's grassroots strategy that engaged over 104,000 volunteers, emphasizing the importance of sustained organizing beyond elections.

Adelita Grijalva, the newly sworn-in U.S. Representative from Arizona's 7th District, shares her journey of overcoming political delays and discusses the urgent need for transparency regarding the Epstein files. She emphasizes her agenda of addressing constituents' priorities like education and environmental reform. Meanwhile, Atul Gawande, a surgeon and public health expert, reveals the dire consequences of USAID cuts on global health, including alarming increases in malnutrition and HIV cases, stressing that these decisions lead to hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths.

Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative and progressive voice, dives into the implications of the ACA subsidy cuts and advocates for Medicare for All. Mariana Chilton, a nutrition expert, sheds light on SNAP's historical context and the growing reliance of veterans on food assistance. Murtaza Hussain reveals shocking insights into Jeffrey Epstein's international connections, linking him to intelligence circles globally. Finally, filmmaker Sepideh Farsi discusses her poignant documentary about Gaza photojournalist Fatima, whose life was tragically cut short.

David Dayen, Executive Editor of The American Prospect, dives into the Senate funding deal and its political repercussions, questioning Chuck Schumer's strategy. Tara Godarzy, a community organizer and parent, sheds light on the trauma faced by children after a teacher’s arrest by ICE, emphasizing mutual aid efforts. Filmmaker Yoruba Richen discusses the legacy of the Joanne Little case and its impact on self-defense rights, revealing how past struggles resonate with today's social justice movements.

Jelani Cobb, a distinguished historian and dean at Columbia Journalism School, dives deep into the current political landscape. He examines the roots of Trumpism and the unsettling rise of white nationalism. Cobb discusses the implications of Zoran Mamdani's mayoral victory in NYC, linking it to broader issues of identity and economic inequality. He also critiques media accountability, the legal battles impacting journalism, and the importance of diverse media outlets. Plus, he reflects on his journey as a journalist, shaped by early influences and significant events like the Trayvon Martin case.

Jeb Sano, a former climate negotiator for the Philippines and activist, discusses the escalating climate crisis and grassroots movements for justice. Nina Lakhani from The Guardian reveals alarming statistics about fossil fuel lobbyists at UN climate talks and their impact on negotiations. Jelani Cobb, journalist and educator, shares insights on race and recent historical events, highlighting the ties between past and present political events and their effects on democracy. The conversation underscores urgent climate and social justice issues.