Trusted by 34,000 subscribers in 186 countries, the Planet: Critical podcast and newsletter investigate how our energy, economic and political crises are colliding, to reveal what’s really going on—and what needs to be done.
What you’ll get if you subscribe
After signing up as a free or paid subscriber, you can expect one episode of the Planet: Critical podcast delivered straight to your inbox every week. Each episode is a long-form interview, and former guests range from scientists, politicians and academics to journalists, artists and freedom fighters. Every episode begins with the same question: Why is the world in crisis?
You’ll also get the equally wide-ranging weekly newsletter, past editions of which have explored imagination, fascism, BRICS, violence, energy crises, greenwashing and witch hunts. Both the newsletter and podcast are embedded in university curricula around the world.
Occasionally, you’ll receive world exclusive pieces of investigative journalism, such as my report on the $500 billion of fossil fuels off of Gaza’s coast driving the genocide, Russia and the USA’s involvement in the climate wars fuelling the genocide in Sudan, or my exposé on how the fashion industry drafted “sustainability legislation” which was harmful to both people and planet.
Finally, you’ll become part of the Planet: Critical community who support and challenge each other all over the world. This community is the beating heart of the project because, unlike most newsletters, Planet: Critical is 100% free for everyone, powered by the subscribers who have the means. Their generosity means that my commitment to this work is full-time and that their fellow subscribers—no matter where they come from or how much money they have to spare—have equal access to the information published here. That, to me, is commons journalism.
What subscribers say
"I write on environmental topics. Rachel's big picture interviews with amazing thinkers are powerful and her insights encourage clear and independent thinking about how to face the world crisis we are in.” – Kate Littleboy, USA
"Planet Critical is doing important work on climate breakdown and the 'civilisational crisis' by allowing space for the discussion and debate of things that should be on the mainstream media but often aren't." – Matt Colborn, UK
“Thank you so much for your work, I've been listening basically to all your podcasts since nearly a year, it's really broadening my horizons.” – Anka Helfert, Germany
"Your Duende piece was incredible.... and reflected my experience deeply. I was in Spain at the moment I received the post, and shared with others. Thanks so much for articulating what is so challenging to describe and navigate." – Jillian Froebe, USA
"You give me clarity into what is actually happening to the planet and where we are heading if nothing is done." – Moruya, Australia
"Hi Rachel, I've been following your work for some time. You are awesome in the way you communicate authentically, courageously, and compassionately. Your newsletter today is a perfect illustration of many of the conversations I have.” – Donna Okell, UK
"I deeply admire your passion and tenacity in pulling back the covers Rachel” – Michael Reynolds, New Zealand
"There are very few others who cover the global meta-crisis as you do. Thank you for your effort and dedication. Please continue. Mark" – Mark Simmerman, Thailand
"What you’ve covered over the last few years on the polycrisis and the key players involved I couldn’t find that anywhere else so thank you for your work! Please keep going! I don’t think the trajectory our planet is on will end on a happy note, but I do believe the stories behind it are worth telling." – Devin Rice, USA
"Planet: Critical has a laser-like focus on whether human civilisation has a sustainable future." - Professor Steve Keen, Building a New Economics
“Rachel has an unrivalled capacity for delivering facts and connecting the dots whilst being eloquent, engaging, compassionate, and witty.” - Professor Henrik Nordborg, OST
About Rachel
I investigate why the world is in crisis—and what to do about it.
I have taught at universities, produced guerrilla radio programs, and written world exclusives for major papers. I now publish everything independently on Planet: Critical and its sister project, Planet: Coordinate, a documentary series investigating what to do for a world in crisis. I consider my work as weaving, connecting the dots of the big picture, and am regularly invited to speak at conferences and lecture at universities.
I am currently writing my first book HER BODY, OUR CHOICE which will be published by Virago in early 2027.
Work with me
My work is 100% community-powered to ensure my agility and independence, and I collaborate and advise on select projects when I can be of service. If you have an idea of how I can help you, especially if you're a young person seeking advice, please get in touch: info [at] planetcritical.com