Intelligence Squared
The Mend is Nigh: Hannah Ritchie on How to Build a Sustainable Planet
Jan 19, 2024
Hannah Ritchie, a leading data scientist from Oxford and author of 'Not the End of the World', chats with Tim Harford, a Financial Times columnist. They discuss innovative strategies for sustainability, emphasizing the importance of optimism and high living standards. Ritchie challenges common beliefs about climate solutions, revealing that renewable energy has become economically viable. They also explore historical air pollution trends, energy challenges, and the environmental impact of food choices, advocating for dietary changes to combat climate change.
52:03
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Quick takeaways
- Being the first generation to build a sustainable planet requires balancing living standards with environmental sustainability.
- Challenging the perception of doom and adopting a problem-solving mindset is key to addressing environmental issues effectively.
Deep dives
The importance of making sustainable decisions
The book explores the concept of being the first generation to build a sustainable planet. It argues that historically, societies had low living standards in order to be environmentally sustainable. However, with advancements in living conditions, the environment has been degraded. The book emphasizes the opportunity we have to achieve both a good quality of life and environmental sustainability through the right decisions and actions.
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