
The end of the Liberal Party and the new climate wars.
From A Rational Fear by Dan Ilic
March 15, 2026 · 1h 2m · Season 2026 · Episode 249
About this episode
This episode discusses the rise of the far right and its implications for climate action in Australia.
Recorded live at Climate Action Week Sydney, this episode of A Rational Fear dives deep into the rise of the far right, fossil-fuel-funded disinformation, and what it all means for Australia’s climate future and democracy. Host Dan Ilic is joined on stage by: Malcolm Turnbull – former Prime Minister, now “concerned private citizen” Ed Coper – communications strategist and author of Angertainment Kate Hook – farmer, regional community leader, and two-time community independent candidate (Climate 200 co-convener) Across this wide-ranging conversation, they unpack: Why the far right’s culture war is such a serious threat to climate action How “anger-tainment” media ecosystems (hello Sky News) and social platforms reward disinformation The inside story on fossil-fuel-backed campaigns, from Clive Palmer to astroturf outfits like “Australians for Prosperity” The existential crisis inside the Liberal Party and the risks of preferencing One Nation How regional communities are actually embracing renewables when they control the process and share the benefits The rise of community independents and why ordinary people, not party…
People in this episode
Host: Dan Ilic
Guests: Malcolm Turnbull, Ed Coper, Kate Hook
Topics covered
- climate politics
- far right
- disinformation
- Liberal Party
- community independents
- renewables
Keywords
- climate action
- disinformation
- Liberal Party
- community independents
- renewables
- far right
- anger-tainment
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Sky News, Australians for Prosperity, Climate 200
Places: Australia
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