a16z Podcast The Environment, Capitalism, Technology
Oct 4, 2019
Andrew McAfee, an MIT economist and author of "More from Less," shares insights on the relationship between technology, capitalism, and the environment. He argues that human growth doesn't have to destroy nature, challenging historical views. The discussion unveils how developing economies might bypass extractive phases through innovation. McAfee highlights market solutions like cap and trade and the importance of consumer demand in driving clean technology. He also tackles misconceptions around GMOs and critiques the U.S. energy landscape, advocating for a balanced approach to sustainability.
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Soviet Whaling
- The Soviets signed whaling treaties but killed 200,000 more whales than agreed upon.
- They did this to meet Stalinist five-year plan quotas, not for economic benefit.
Capitalism and Pollution
- Capitalist societies, not socialist ones, addressed pollution problems earliest and most effectively.
- The environmentalist movement and legislation like the Clean Water Act led to these improvements.
Cap and Trade Success
- Cap and trade reduced particulate emissions by making pollution expensive and tradable.
- This market-based approach resulted in significantly cleaner air at a lower cost than projected.
