Planet: Critical

I recently interviewed Paul Hawken for Mongabay and want to share the moving conversation with you here. Celebrated author, thinker and entrepreneur Paul Hawken joins Mongabay’s podcast to discuss his new book, Carbon: The Book of Life. He argues that the jargon and fear-based terms broadly used by the climate movement alienate the broader public and fail to communicate the nuance and complexity of the larger ecological crises that humans are causing.In this wide-ranging discussion, Hawken explains that carbon — the fourth most abundant element in the universe, and a fundamental building block of life — is being maligned in a way that distracts from the root causes of ecological destruction in favor of technological solutions that are not viable at scale, or international agreements that prioritize carbon accounting.Jargon is useful for communication of concepts within the scientific community, but when applied to messaging for the general public, it fails to communicate the problems humans face effectively: “We have to create a climate movement that is actually the human movement. And the human movement is humans that are not separate and distinct from nature.”Subscribe to or follow the Mongabay Newscast wherever you listen to podcasts, from Apple to Spotify, and you can also listen to all episodes here on the Mongabay website.Planet: Critical is 100% independent and community-powered. If you value it, and have the means, become a paid subscriber today. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

Molly White, a researcher and software engineer, delves into the authoritarian tactics of tech billionaires and their impact on free speech. She discusses how cryptocurrency influences American politics, including Trump's connection to meme coins. The podcast critiques the growing power of tech titans in governance and the dangers of privatizing public resources like libraries. Molly emphasizes the need for resilient information systems that promote access over profit, urging a collective effort to counter misinformation and support open media alternatives.

David Edgerton, a historian of science and technology at King's College London, dives into the contradictions of our chaotic world. He discusses how oligarchs reshape capitalism amid a global crisis and analyzes China's dual role as a challenger and contributor to social disparities. The conversation explores the turbulent relationship between war and innovation, while highlighting the struggles of the Left to articulate coherent responses. Edgerton also critiques the media landscape and the complexities of misinformation, emphasizing the need for thoughtful dialogue in these times.

In this engaging discussion, best-selling author Sarah Wilson dives deep into the concept of societal collapse and what we can do about it. With a rich background in research and a keen focus on both Western and Indigenous theories, she critiques outdated linear thinking and the dangers of toxic masculinity. Sarah makes a compelling case for community resilience and the need for moral frameworks in times of crisis. She also re-evaluates climate activism, advocating for innovative economic models like degrowth to pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Brad Vanstone, co-founder of Willicroft, is a trailblazer in plant-based cheese, renowned for prioritizing ethical business practices. He discusses the tough choice to close Willicroft rather than compromise values for profit. Brad shares how he transformed his journey into a sustainable food venture, facing industry skepticism along the way. He highlights the need for businesses to align with environmental goals, the challenges posed by animal agriculture lobbying, and the importance of community and systemic change in fostering a more sustainable future.

Jean-Baptiste Fressoz, historian of science and technology and author of 'More and More', discusses the complexities surrounding energy transition. He argues that every new energy source increases overall consumption rather than replacing existing ones. Fressoz critiques the misconceptions surrounding decarbonization and the historical roots of the 'energy transition' concept, once a scientific term turned policy fantasy. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging systemic inequality in climate discussions and advocates for a more nuanced approach to sustainability.

In this discussion, Grace Blakeley, a political economist and author of "Vulture Capitalism," tackles the intertwining dynamics of states and markets. She critiques how the illusion of their opposition has stripped power from everyday people, leading to a collective loss of purpose. Grace explores historical class struggles and the erosion of unions, emphasizes the need for collective action against neoliberalism, and advocates for reinvigorating local economies as a pathway to resist capitalist oppression.

Our borders are changing.Russia wants Ukraine, China wants Taiwan, Israel wants Palestine, and Trump wants Greenland. We are in the beginning of an age of territorial expansion, as nations seek to shore up more resources, wealth and power by acquiring land. I’m joined by Michael Albertus, a Professor in Political Science at the University of Chicago, to discuss the history of land as an asset, and what a return to colonial and imperial policies of invasion will look like over the coming years.We also discuss local and national resistance around the world, delving into the universality of our desire to protect what we call home from extraction and exploitation. Mike reveals the land restitution policies in South Africa and I discuss my recent work with communities in Colombia who are holding off multinational mining companies from tearing up their land. To learn more, get a copy of Mike’s latest book, Land Power: Who Has It, Who Doesn’t, and How That Determines the Fate of Societies.Planet: Critical is 100% independent and community-powered. If you value it, and have the means, become a paid subscriber today. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

Kenny Torrella, a senior reporter at Vox, dives deep into the powerful grip of the animal agriculture industry on environmental policies. He reveals how a few multinational companies prioritize profit over sustainability, contributing to air and water pollution. Discover the political lobbying that undermines plant-based food sectors and the escalating health hazards tied to the American diet. Despite these challenges, Torrella highlights a hopeful avenue for change, advocating for a bipartisan movement towards sustainable practices.

Sailesh Rao, Executive Director of Climate Healers and a climate activist, argues that animal agriculture could be responsible for 87% of climate change. He critiques current emission accounting methods that overlook this major contributor. The conversation delves into the ethical dilemmas of meat consumption, the economic implications of animal agriculture, and how these issues intersect with social injustices, such as prison labor. Rao advocates for a swift shift to plant-based diets as a powerful strategy for climate healing.