Economist Podcasts

Baby bust: China’s census

May 12, 2021

Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor for The Economist, dives into China's groundbreaking census data, revealing a stagnating population and the economic challenges of an aging demographic. Alice Fullwood, the Wall Street correspondent, discusses the rise of central bank digital currencies, or 'govcoins,' and their potential to reshape monetary policy and access to banking. The episode also touches on fascinating wildlife research from Ecuador that uses roadkill to track elusive species, showcasing the unexpected ecological insights gleaned from this method.

21:50

Creator website

Episode guests

Alice Fullwood

Simon Rabinovich

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

China's Population Puzzle

8min

The Rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies

8min

Uncovering Elusive Wildlife Through Roadkill Research

3min

Unveiling Nature's Secrets Through Roadkill

2min

China just unveiled the results of its first census in over a decade. The results are striking, if not surprising: the world’s largest country will soon stop growing. Yet if a greying population causes economic headwinds, Chinese officials also have reason for cheer. With digital currencies in vogue, central banks want to get in on the action. The rise of “govcoins” could transform monetary policy and expand access to bank accounts. But it could also destabilise private banking. And roadkill isn’t just an unsightly nuisance. It also offers a way of counting elusive species.

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