Published on June 18, 2015, by Democracy Now, this report covers Pope Francis's encyclical on the environment and climate change. In the encyclical (available

Published on June 18, 2015, by Democracy Now, this report covers Pope Francis's encyclical on the environment and climate change. In the encyclical (available to download here), Pope Francis called for urgent action to protect the planet, urging leaders to hear "the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor." He emphasized a moral imperative for all to safeguard the environment, advocating for a shift from a "throwaway" consumer culture in rich countries and an end to attitudes that prioritize profit over the common good. A key theme is the disparity between rich and poor, with the Pope noting the vast difference between those in "desperate and degrading poverty" and those with excessive possessions.

The discussion features Naomi Klein, author of "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate," who was invited to speak at the Vatican's "People and Planet First: The Imperative to Change Course" conference. Also joining is Nathan Schneider, a columnist at America magazine, a national Catholic weekly published by the Jesuits.

Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour, airing weekdays on over 1,300 TV and radio stations. Their livestream is available Monday through Friday, 8-9 am ET.

Banks are the primary creators of money. This raises the question of whether society should reclaim this sovereign power through public ownership of financial institutions.

Ellen Brown,

Banks are the primary creators of money. This raises the question of whether society should reclaim this sovereign power through public ownership of financial institutions.

Ellen Brown, founder of the Public Banking Institute, advocates for owning banks—or at least some of them. She argues this would safeguard public and private deposits, redirect profits to the public interest, ensure control over credit allocation, and reduce government expenses.

Baba Brinkman's "Rap Guide to Climate Chaos" is a hip-hop theatre show and album exploring climate change through character-driven song chapters. Using prodigious rhythmic phrasing, engaging

Baba Brinkman's "Rap Guide to Climate Chaos" is a hip-hop theatre show and album exploring climate change through character-driven song chapters. Using prodigious rhythmic phrasing, engaging visual projections, wit, enthusiasm, and peer-reviewed facts, Baba covers the salient causes, consequences, and solutions.

A featured song, "Make It Hot," delves into the game theory dynamics driving global warming and advocates for urgent carbon emissions pricing. You can see Baba Brinkman perform it here, and learn more about Baba at bababrinkman.com.

For additional information about the show, visit rapguidetoclimatechaos.com. Support Baba's "Climate Chaos" IndieGogo campaign here.

Capitalism is often seen as a dual force: a driver of prosperity that has lifted billions from poverty, yet also a system that can foster greed. Both views contain truth.

While free

Capitalism is often seen as a dual force: a driver of prosperity that has lifted billions from poverty, yet also a system that can foster greed. Both views contain truth.

While free enterprise promotes global prosperity, we must guard against materialism, remembering that money serves as a means to greater ends. Join Arthur Brooks—New York Times columnist, bestselling author, and president of the American Enterprise Institute—for this thought-provoking discussion.

Amidst numerous movements and tragedies, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. How do we stay accountable to our communities, question if "diversity" is enough, and avoid panic?

This week,

Amidst numerous movements and tragedies, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. How do we stay accountable to our communities, question if "diversity" is enough, and avoid panic?

This week, celebrated journalist and author Jeff Chang addresses these concerns. He offers a message of hope: we can navigate these challenges and be alright, provided we work together.

Environmental and economic problems like low wages and unemployment are often blamed on a hard-to-regulate U.S. economy. However, this system is intentionally rigged for the wealthy. Laws and

Environmental and economic problems like low wages and unemployment are often blamed on a hard-to-regulate U.S. economy. However, this system is intentionally rigged for the wealthy. Laws and policies overwhelmingly favor them, allowing control of vast resources and lavish living, while most Americans struggle paycheck to paycheck.

Despite ample resources, our economic system is designed for the wealthy, who manipulate it via political influence. It could easily be regulated to ensure decent jobs, healthcare, and homes for all. Yet, we largely complain without taking action.

See related content: Part One and Part Two.

Oceans cover 71% of Earth, sustaining over a billion people. Yet, overfishing is rapidly depleting this vital resource, threatening life and protein for a hungry planet.

Fortunately, oceans

Oceans cover 71% of Earth, sustaining over a billion people. Yet, overfishing is rapidly depleting this vital resource, threatening life and protein for a hungry planet.

Fortunately, oceans are remarkably resilient. Ten countries manage most wild seafood, and Oceana has achieved critical policy victories in many, safeguarding over a million square miles.

We can reverse this decline by ending overfishing, controlling bycatch, and protecting ocean nurseries. Join Oceana today to help ensure bountiful oceans for generations to come.

Tero Isokauppila, founder of Four Sigmatic, is a leading expert in functional mushrooms, superfoods, and adaptogens. Recognized as one of the TOP 50 Food Activists, he authored "Healing Mushrooms"

Tero Isokauppila, founder of Four Sigmatic, is a leading expert in functional mushrooms, superfoods, and adaptogens. Recognized as one of the TOP 50 Food Activists, he authored "Healing Mushrooms" and "Santa Sold Shrooms: The Origin Story of the World's Most Famous Person."

His work explores the powerful benefits of the fungi kingdom, detailing why certain mushrooms are potent superfoods. Tero also shares his journey, including how he overcame challenges to innovate a category now admired by the supplement industry.

Discover more in his book: Get the book here

"Bright Green Lies: How The Environmental Movement Lost Its Way and What We Can Do About It" launches today! Join our live book launch event this evening at 5 PM Pacific (8 PM Eastern) via