The Indicator from Planet Money The cost of saving a species
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Sep 9, 2025 Exploring the alarming rate of species extinction, the discussion highlights the importance of cost-effective conservation strategies. Experts argue for prioritizing biodiversity over just saving cute animals. They tackle ethical dilemmas, likening conservation choices to the trolley problem. The show shares success stories, like the Galapagos Islands' efforts to protect endanger species, showcasing innovative approaches like using rat bait. Ultimately, the conversation urges a reevaluation of where conservation dollars can have the most impact.
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Cost And Success Matter More Than Cuteness
- Hugh Possingham argues conservation decisions should weigh cost and probability of success, not just how endangered a species is.
- Prioritizing expensive, iconic species can cause more overall extinctions than cheaper, effective interventions.
Ambulance At The Bottom-Of-Cliff Approach Fails
- Spending mainly on the most critically endangered or iconic species can be inefficient.
- Redirecting funds to cheaper interventions can save many more species overall.
Invest In Tropics And Islands First
- Invest where the most threatened species live: tropical regions, especially islands, because they hold high biodiversity.
- Target nations like Indonesia and Madagascar for higher global impact per dollar spent.