Freakonomics Radio
551. What Can Whales Teach Us About Clean Energy, Workplace Harmony, and Living the Good Life?
Jul 27, 2023
Hester Blum, a Professor of English specializing in oceanic literature, dives into the lessons we can learn from whales. She explores the intriguing concept of fecal plumes and their role in marine ecosystems, as well as the impacts of shipping noise on whale populations. The conversation also highlights the diversity within the 19th-century whaling industry, showcasing the contributions of marginalized sailors. Finally, Blum ties all these themes to Melville's 'Moby-Dick,' emphasizing how literature reflects our relationship with nature.
47:45
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Quick takeaways
- Whale conservation efforts have important environmental benefits, including increasing productivity and absorbing carbon emissions.
- On 19th century whaling ships, small changes in racial diversity initially lead to reduced productivity, while larger changes result in increased performance.
Deep dives
The Economics of Whale Conservation
The podcast explores the economic impact of whale conservation efforts, highlighting the unintended consequences of environmental improvements. It discusses the causes of whale deaths, including ship strikes and interactions with fishing gear, as well as the dangers of plastic pollution in oceans. The environmental benefits of whale populations, such as their role in increasing productivity and absorbing carbon emissions, are also highlighted. The episode emphasizes the need for careful decision-making when it comes to offshore wind farms and the importance of shifting to renewable energy sources to protect whales in the future.
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