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TED Talks Daily

Capitalism broke the climate. Now it can fix it | Akshat Rathi

Sep 23, 2024
In a thought-provoking discussion, journalist Akshat Rathi dives into how capitalism, often blamed for climate issues, can actually be a key player in solving them. He introduces the concept of 'climate capitalism,' advocating for market forces to shift towards sustainability. Rathi shares examples of successful government initiatives, like electric vehicles in China, and highlights the importance of carbon pricing. His insights challenge us to rethink economic models as tools for a greener future.
12:40

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Capitalism, often blamed for the climate crisis, can be restructured to promote sustainability through innovative market-driven solutions.
  • Successful case studies like solar energy in India and electric vehicles in China illustrate the potential of government support to drive climate capitalism.

Deep dives

The Complexity of Capitalism and Climate Change

Capitalism plays a dual role in the discourse surrounding climate change, both as a potential cause of the crisis and as a vehicle for innovative solutions. The podcast highlights the example of solar energy adoption in India, where market-driven forces led to a significant reduction in the cost of solar panels, enabling widespread availability. This transformation demonstrates how profit-seeking companies can contribute positively when supported by government policies such as subsidies and regulations. The conversation suggests that the essence of 'climate capitalism' lies in leveraging these market forces to create sustainable solutions rather than exacerbating existing environmental problems.

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