Planet: Critical

Did you know the government doesn’t spend your taxes?Welcome to the world of Modern Monetary Theory, a revolutionary way of decoding our monetary systems—and making them work better for us. I’m joined by Steven Hail, economist and lecturer, who explains, using MMT, what we get wrong about money, taxes, inflation and even currency. Steven reveals how the notion of states not being able to afford certain necessities—like education, health, the green transition—is nonsense, explaining how the supply of resources impacts our economy, not running a deficit. Alongside debunking a range of money myths, he also reveals the fascinating history of taxation as a means to create a citizenry and their dependence on a centralised state.This is a technical episode, but Steven’s explanations are clear and concise, and we successfully cover a lot of ground to uncover the real relationships between governments, markets and the monetary system they swear by.Episodes referenced include my interviews with Fadhel Kaboub, Jason Hickel and Kate Raworth.© Rachel DonaldPlanet: Critical investigates why the world is in crisis—and what to do about it. Support the project with a paid subscription. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

Neoliberalism is the disease which keeps on killing.But did you know the neoliberal economic gospel we live under today is a deliberate misinterpretation of the original theory? In her new book, The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market, historian of science Naomi Oreskes shows how a group of American plutocrats distorted the the conservative teachings of Friedrich van Hayek’s theory of neoliberalism in order to plunder the world’s resource, unleash the markets, and undermine federal power. Naomi joins me today to give an incisive and brutal summary of why our world is in crisis, detailing the criminal avarice of these plutocrats; how institutions, lobbyists and corporations continue to undermine democracy; and why a renewable world threatens the powers that be. This phenomenal explanation shows why the climate crisis is not a scientific problem, but a political, economic and social issue, with Naomi revealing tactics civilians used throughout history against the destructive elite.© Rachel DonaldPlanet: Critical investigates why the world is in crisis—and what to do about it. Support the project with a paid subscription.‘It’s Not the End of the World’ book assumptions & omissions spark debateCheck out my latest episode on Mongabay’s Newscast in Hannah Ritchie and I go head-to-head about her book, It’s Not the End of the World, and the data omissions which paint a far rosier picture of the polycrisis than her backer, Bill Gates, would have us believe. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

Fabian Dablander, energy transition researcher and activist, discusses the strategy of becoming ungovernable at scale. They explore nonviolence vs sabotage, power dynamics in negotiations, and the tipping points of social change. They also highlight the impact of fossil fuels and the need for strategic actions to address the earth system breakdown.

The guest, Rachel Donald, discusses topics such as the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of learning to share and love. They also explore concerns about climate change, migration, and the future of mainstream centrist politics. Additionally, they discuss the role of conservatism in a crisis and staying optimistic in the face of tragedy.

Laurie Parsons, senior lecturer in Human Geography, joins the podcast to discuss the tension between global political economy, national legal jurisdictions, and the impact on local and indigenous people. They explore the history of greenwashing, the divide and conquer tactic of separating land, labor, and capital, and the interconnectedness of global industries. They also touch on the importance of local politics for a greener future and the challenges faced by the global garment industry.

George Monbiot, distinguished writer and activist, discusses political and economic corruption, the link between colonialism and welfare states, social tipping points, and movement-building. They explore the crisis of democracy, repression faced by activists, the need for growth in the environmental movement, and the power of sharing resources. They challenge the misconception of human nature and propose a conversation on the future of food.

Public Service Announcement!I’m now collaborating with Mongabay on their weekly Newscast podcast, bringing you conservation news from all around the world. To celebrate—and to encourage you all to subscribe!—I’m sharing my inaugural episode as cohost with you today.On this episode, I interview Brandon Wu of ActionAid USA about the Loss and Damages negotiations that took place ahead of COP28—and how the USA used its political weight to bully developing nations into accepting a deal unrecognisable from the premise of L&D. Loss and Damages is, in effect, climate reparations—a fund paid into by developed nations, who are historically responsible for the emissions causing global warming, which developing nations can then use to respond to the chaos caused by climate change: floods, storms, crop failures, displaced populations. However, it was the vulnerable nations who were forced to concede at the negotiating table, walking away with a deal which serves the interests of the world’s most powerful.Brandon gives an excellent overview and analysis of the situation, revealing how the USA used its muscle to twist the arms of developing nations at the final hour. I then discuss these details with my wonderful cohost, Mike DiGirolamo.Mike and I have collaborated over the years on a couple of projects and I was truly delighted when he suggested we join forces on this project! Please join us as we uncover the most important stories in conservation and environmental journalism from around the world.Subscribe to the Mongabay Newscast:* Apple * Spotify* Mongabay website* Download the free app on Apple or Android to access all episodes Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

What maniac would suggest a hothouse earth would be economically positive?The financial services—and their incorrect models is costing us time to implement effective policies to mitigate climate change as much as possible. This is the warning from a report published by the Institute of Actuaries. The Emperor’s New Climate Scenarios warns that the world of finance is massively underestimating the destruction climate change will cause on our economy after 1.5 degrees of warming.Actuary and lead author, Sandy Trust, joins me to explain how such thinking got baked into the financial services by way of one man’s dodgy calculations, how to better interpret climate modelling, and the difference between risk assessment and scientific assessment. This is a truly fascinating conversation with Sandy expertly guiding us through technical terms to reveal a stark image: The people in charge are totally unaware of what’s coming. Get full access to Planet: Critical at www.planetcritical.com/subscribe

James Schneider, Communications Director for Progressive International, discusses the need for a green democratic revolution to address the failures of the ruling class. He critiques the Green New Deal and emphasizes the importance of fast and profound change in response to the climate crisis. Schneider explores the influence of media and the challenges of getting people excited about politics. He also delves into the distinction between free radical capital and fossil capital, highlighting the exploitation embedded within the system. This podcast provides an acute analysis of the crises we face and the potential for collective action.

Former CEO of BP, John Browne, discusses the oil industry's knowledge on climate change and the impact of fossil fuels on conflict. The podcast explores the need for action, challenges in reducing carbon emissions, and shifting subsidies. It also highlights the role of state-owned companies in fossil fuel production and the consequences of the British government's climate policies.