Who takes the initiative when governments fail to ask?Amazingly, in Denmark, an industry is lobbying its government for much tighter regulations to absolutely reduce emissions in order to meet the Paris Agreement. Stakeholders across the entire Danish building industry have agreed to an ambitious reduction roadmap tafter a team of architects undertook an independent review of government policies. They found that global building emissions must be reduced by 96% to limit global warming, and are currently lobbying for an emissions cap of carbon dioxide kilograms per meter squared.I'm joined by Dani Hill-Hansen, sustainable design engineer, architect at EFFEKT, and co-author of the Reduction Roadmap. She explains the findings of their research, the ambitious targets of the roadmap, how they got 540 stakeholders across the industry to sign on, and the methodology of "brand activism" they've developed alongside this project to kickstart other industries across the globe to initiate necessary climate action. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

Chris Smaje, farmer and academic, debates the future of food with George Monbiot, arguing for community autonomy through farming. They discuss challenging the idea of lab-grown food, the importance of maintaining connections to the land, and the political implications of food production. The conversation delves into cultural preservation, rethinking political ideologies, and the potential of small farms for sustainable food systems.

Olivia Lazard, an expert in collective security, joins to discuss the urgent need for global collaboration in the face of planetary crises. They delve into the complexities of the Anthropocene, legacy systems of extraction, dematerialization of economies, and the balance of power tipping our planet into crisis.

Civil engineer and geo-hydrologist Delton Chen discusses the Global Carbon Reward policy, incentivizing emission reduction and investment in mitigation tech. They explore challenges in carbon removal, renewable energy transition, and leadership's role in prioritizing the planet over profits. The concept of a transparent carbon market system is highlighted, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and global cooperation.

Erin Remblance, a degrowth advocate, discusses creating social tipping points for change. They explore challenging power dynamics, think tanks' influence, preserving democracy, and driving societal transformation through shared values. The conversation delves into embedding new values, historical lessons, and the urgency for sustainable strategies amid the climate crisis.

Alister Hamilton, an expert on global oil depletion, warns about running out of oil by the 2030s due to increasing energy input for extraction. He discusses the Energy Return On Investment (EROI) and how accessing lower-grade oil will lead to oil reserves being inaccessible worldwide. The urgency of transitioning to renewable energy is emphasized to prevent a global crash.

Ecologist and writer Carl Safina discusses the disconnect between Western thought and nature, rooted in Plato's philosophy. The podcast explores cultural beliefs, environmental crises, financial valuations of nature, and the negative impacts of pursuing power. It highlights the importance of empathy towards animals and reevaluating societal structures based on philosophical beliefs.

The podcast delves into the political and physical challenges of the energy transition, highlighting the psychological vulnerabilities hindering progress. It explores the intersection of various global crises, the risks of unchecked resource accumulation, and the need for collective well-being over individual success. Additionally, it discusses eco-fascism concerns, the notion of evil in society, and the importance of behavioral change and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing climate change.

Laura Martin discusses the importance of collaborative ecological restoration over preservation. They explore the impact on caribou and human communities, advocate for slow, deliberate action, and critique reforestation for carbon offsetting. The podcast challenges systemic injustices, global environmental responsibilities in urban life, and modern society's disconnection due to industrialization and neoliberalism.

The podcast discusses the divisive views on nuclear energy, with Mark Nelson debunking myths and advocating for its benefits. Topics include nuclear's role in the energy crisis, safety concerns, and transforming fossil fuel infrastructure. The conversation explores public perceptions, uranium mining challenges, and the complexities of waste management in the nuclear sector.