53. The Simple Economics of Saving the Amazon Rainforest

Michael Greenstone, former Chief Economist for the Obama administration, and Gretchen Daly, a leading Professor at Stanford, discuss the intricate relationship between economics and the Amazon rainforest crisis. They argue that traditional moral pleas often miss the root causes of deforestation. The duo emphasizes innovative economic strategies for conservation, such as carbon pricing and the significance of natural capital. They draw on global examples, highlighting lessons from China and Brazil, to showcase how financial incentives can effectively combat environmental degradation.