Veronica Bates Kassatly, an economist specializing in sustainable fashion, reveals the pitfalls of self-regulation in the industry. She discusses how the fashion world manipulates sustainability metrics, branding polyesters as eco-friendly while masking their true environmental impact. The conversation delves into the flaws in current methodologies, the interplay between fashion policies and global trade, and the urgent need for genuine sustainability measures. Veronica calls for an inclusive dialogue that prioritizes both environmental and social justice.

In this discussion, Louis Arnoux, a seasoned scientist and managing director of Fourth Transition, dives into the looming energy collapse predicted by 2030. He explains how our current energy systems are battling thermodynamic inefficiencies while highlighting the economic pressures fueling this crisis. Louis critiques decarbonization efforts and unveils three thermodynamic traps that threaten sustainability. He also envisions a decentralized energy revolution powered by local solutions, emphasizing the need for a system that mimics nature's efficiency.

In this engaging discussion, A.I. technologist Deep Dhillon, cofounder of Xyonix, shares his insights on the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and their societal implications. He emphasizes the importance of ethical regulation and the impact of technology on mental health and democracy. They explore challenges like deepfake technology and its authenticity issues, as well as the systemic inequalities in healthcare exacerbated by A.I. Deep envisions a collaborative future that ensures equitable access to technological benefits.

Viktoria Kahui, an environmental and ecological economist at the University of Otago, dives deep into the fascinating concepts of rights of nature and legal personhood for ecosystems. She discusses how these innovative legal frameworks are being trialed globally, especially in Ecuador, to combat biodiversity loss and promote Indigenous reconciliation. Kahui emphasizes the need for further research on their effectiveness and reflects on the balance between human health needs and ecological preservation, sparking a thought-provoking debate on our relationship with nature.

Steffi Bednarek, a climate psychotherapist, tackles anxiety born from climate grief. She argues that the mental health crisis reflects deeper societal dysfunction rather than individual failings. The discussion challenges the psychology industry’s focus on symptom-free living, advocating for a broader view of mental health linked to systemic issues. Bednarek highlights the necessity of resilience and empathy, particularly in the context of women's roles and interconnectedness. The episode also calls for communal grieving and mindfulness around death in modern society.

In this discussion, Natasha Lennard, a writer focused on politics and violence, explores the struggle to reshape our world by challenging established certainties like capitalism. She argues that embracing uncertainty is crucial for collective action toward a just future. The conversation delves into redefining crises as opportunities for transformation, critically examining entrenched beliefs in social justice, and the philosophical dance between certainty and doubt. Natasha emphasizes the importance of community, love, and envisioning equitable alternatives to current norms.

Kris De Decker, a passionate journalist and founder of Low Tech Magazine, dives deep into the relationship between technology and sustainability. He tackles the misconceptions surrounding high-tech solutions and how they often undermine genuine progress, advocating instead for low-tech alternatives. The discussion highlights personal responsibility in energy use, the impact of community connections, and the joys of a low-tech lifestyle. Kris emphasizes the importance of local production and meaningful interactions, challenging our reliance on modern technology.

Bayo Akomolafe, a philosopher, writer, and professor, explores the crisis of mastery that plagues our modern world. He dissects the impacts of 'white modernity' and its colonial echoes, urging a reevaluation of what progress means today. Through captivating metaphors, he discusses the importance of minor gestures in challenging systemic issues and how cracks can lead to innovation. Bayo also touches on the themes of belonging, failure, and the transformative power of our collective realities, inviting listeners to dance on the edges of thought and being.

Nate Kinch, a socio-technological ethicist focused on enhancing corporate values, discusses the urgent need for businesses to adopt new ethical frameworks. He emphasizes trust and morality as essential for transforming organizations. The conversation touches on the historical rift between humanity and nature, the integration of science and spirituality, and the complexity of proposing new value systems. Kinch also highlights the importance of emotional truth in decision-making and the role of indigenous wisdom in addressing environmental crises.

The global majority are not responsible for global warming. A tiny percentage of the world's population are in positions of power, making decisions that impact the entire planet. These are the people who own and benefit from the fossil-fuelled means of production. Professor Matt Huber says taking power back from them is a class struggle—and cannot be done without building working class power. Building on arguments from his book, Climate Change as Class War, Matt says that rather than focusing on elite consumption we should target elite production, making material arguments for systems change that the working class can relate to. He also explains what the professional class of environmentalists fail to grasp about working class voters, why capital ignores public infrastructure, and why a Green New Deal is the only way to combat petro-privatisation.Support journalism for a world in crisis. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe