Zero: The Climate Race cover image

Zero: The Climate Race

TED Talks Daily : Capitalism broke the climate. Now it can fix it

Dec 19, 2024
In this engaging discussion, journalist Akshat Rathi, author of Climate Capitalism, tackles the double-edged sword of capitalism in relation to the climate crisis. He explores how market forces can be harnessed for sustainability, highlighting advancements in renewable energy and the potential of government policies to drive green innovation. Rathi also emphasizes the transformative role of businesses in adapting to new regulations and the global shifts seen in countries like China and India towards cleaner energy solutions.
13:42

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Capitalism can exacerbate climate issues, but with strategic policies and market forces, it can also foster profitable sustainable solutions.
  • Real-world examples, like China's electric vehicle success, demonstrate how coordinated government action can effectively promote environmental sustainability through capitalism.

Deep dives

The Intersection of Capitalism and Climate Solutions

The podcast discusses the complex relationship between capitalism and climate change, questioning whether capitalism can provide effective solutions or if it is the root cause of the crisis. The speaker shares personal experiences with solar energy in India, demonstrating how profit-driven companies have made solar panels accessible, aided by government subsidies that created a market for renewable energy. This relationship exemplifies 'climate capitalism,' where the urgency of climate change forces businesses and governments to rethink traditional capitalist models and engage them in fostering sustainable solutions. The speaker emphasizes that substantial changes in capitalism can lead to profitable, long-lasting climate solutions rather than merely contributing to pollution.

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