Planet: Critical

Pasha Bell, a climate researcher and activist currently pursuing a PhD, shares their experience of being imprisoned for protesting UK climate inaction. They discuss the recent legal changes that criminalize protest while exposing the corporate interests behind these draconian laws. Pasha delves into the erosion of democratic rights, drawing connections to broader issues like environmental collapse and economic inequality. They highlight grassroots movements like Just Stop Oil and Citizens’ Assembly, emphasizing the power of civil resistance in driving meaningful change.

Nikki Reisch, Director of the Climate and Energy Program at the Center for International Environmental Law, is a leading voice in climate litigation. She discusses the rising wave of climate lawsuits that redefine climate as a human rights issue. Nikki emphasizes law as a powerful tool for change and stresses the importance of public support in this fight. She delves into the complexities of international law, the impact of treaties on fossil fuel industries, and the role of youth movements in advocating for climate justice.

Kosha Joubert, CEO of The Pocket Project, specializes in healing collective trauma and its implications. She explores how collective trauma influences our reaction to environmental crises and advocates for connecting personal and collective healing. The discussion delves into the interplay between historical traumas, contemporary society, and the climate crisis. Additionally, Joubert emphasizes the role of compassionate dialogue in bridging political divides and fostering community-driven solutions for healing amidst systemic oppression.

Emily Atkin, the editor of HEATED, dives deep into the potential climate impact of another Trump presidency. She explains Project 2025 and the likelihood of regressive policies on climate legislation. The conversation touches on Elon Musk’s ties to fossil fuels and reflects on Bitcoin's environmental challenges. Atkin also calls for urgent activism amidst disillusionment and discusses the media's role in framing climate narratives, emphasizing the need for clearer communication in addressing both climate change and rising fascism.

Auke Hoekstra, Director of the NEON Research Program at Eindhoven University of Technology, dives deep into the potential of renewable energy. He argues that renewables can transform our energy system, reducing harms and promoting equity. The discussion tackles the realities of energy density, land use, and the socio-political challenges that accompany the transition. Auke highlights the importance of collaboration, the dangers of doomism, and the ethical implications of energy solutions, urging listeners to embrace hope and complexity in the pursuit of sustainability.

Jessica Lovering, co-founder of the Good Energy Collective, dives into the pressing question: if not nuclear, then what? She argues that nuclear energy is essential for lifting a billion people out of energy poverty. Discussing historical and regulatory challenges, she highlights the potential of small modular reactors and emphasizes nuclear's role in addressing climate change and ensuring energy equity. Lovering also touches on community consent, waste management, and the geopolitical implications of nuclear energy as we navigate an unstable world.

Sherri Goodman, Secretary General of the International Military Council on Climate and Security, is a trailblazer in climate security. She reveals how the U.S. military is leading the charge in decarbonization efforts, implementing sustainable technologies like hybrid vehicles and micro grids. Goodman discusses the clash between climate action and military strategy, and debates the sustainability of such initiatives given the broader drivers of conflict. She emphasizes the military's role in safeguarding national security amidst resource scarcity and climate crises.

James Dyke, an Earth system scientist and climate policy expert, returns to discuss the grim reality of our climate future. He argues that the Paris Agreement is effectively dead due to misguided reliance on carbon removal technologies. Dyke critiques net zero policies, emphasizing their failure to address systemic issues. He warns of the dangers of setting the two-degree target, pushed by fossil fuel interests, and calls for urgent solutions focusing on sustainability and equity. The conversation highlights the geopolitical struggles and the necessity for a just energy transition.

Jane van Dis, a medical doctor and co-founder of Healthcare Without Harm, dives into the alarming impact of plastic on human health and the environment. She discusses the link between plastic exposure and serious health conditions, including its role in diseases like cancer and heart issues. Examining the collusion between the petrochemical industry and government policies, she highlights systemic failures in addressing this crisis. Jane also emphasizes the healthcare sector's own plastic waste problem and calls for advocacy to protect both public health and our planet.

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.