Planet Money PM x Radiolab: Can the economy grow forever?
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Mar 28, 2025 
Latif Nasser, the inquisitive host of Radiolab, explores whether our economy can grow indefinitely without exhausting Earth's resources. He dives into the surprising history of guano as a critical fertilizer and discusses how innovations have historically countered resource limitations. The conversation tackles the alarming depletion rates of essential materials like copper and oil while emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. From bird poop to technological breakthroughs, it's a captivating look at the delicate balance between growth and sustainability.
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Infinite Growth?
- Radiolab questions the sustainability of infinite economic growth.
- They explore if excessive growth can be detrimental, partnering with Planet Money.
Earth's Resources
- Astrophysicist Sandy Faber's lecture inspired Latif Nasser to explore economic growth.
- Her calculations showed 3% annual growth depleting Earth's resources in millennia, not millions of years.
Copper Depletion
- Jeff Guo's calculations suggest copper could be depleted in 70 years at current consumption rates.
- This aligns with Faber's concerns, highlighting potential resource limitations.