Offsetting into oblivion with George Monbiot

By relying on uncertain and unethical carbon offsets to combat the climate crisis, society is setting itself on a path to destruction, George Monbiot says.
On this episode of Follow the Money, George Monbiot, Guardian columnist and co-author of The Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism, joins the Australia Institute’s Polly Hemming to discuss the impact of neoliberalism on our climate, the folly of carbon offsets, and why “bollocks” incrementalism won’t lead to systemic change.
Join President José Ramos-Horta at 6pm AEDT, Tuesday 8 October for an evening of conversation at the Sydney Opera House, presented by the Australia Institute as part of its 30 Years of Big Ideas.
This discussion was recorded live on Thursday 19 September 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Guest: George Monbiot, author, columnist and environmental campaigner // @GeorgeMonbiot
Host: Polly Hemming, Climate & Energy Director, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
The Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism by Peter Hutchison and George Monbiot (June 2024)
Coal Mine Tracker, The Australia Institute
‘Coal Mine Approvals Undermine Climate Goals, Government Rhetoric’, The Australia Institute (September 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Between the Lines Newsletter
The biggest stories and the best analysis from the team at the Australia Institute, delivered to your inbox every fortnight.
You might also like
We need political courage, not caution | Polly Hemming
When it comes to solving the biggest national problems, a bit of courage leaves political caution for dead. Now’s not the time for politeness.
Integrity at home shapes global outcomes – Polly Hemming | Climate Integrity Summit 2025
Despite frequent claims that Australia is ‘too small to make a difference,’ historical evidence demonstrates our nation’s outsized role in influencing international norms and policies.
Now is the time for brave reform
A housing crisis, accelerating climate change and widening inequality all confront the re-elected Albanese Government, but the solutions exist (and often aren’t that complicated).