ESG: The Moral Crusade for a 'Green New World' | Paul Mueller & Kate Wand

Dec 28, 2023

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What exactly is ESG? Where did it come from, and how did it start to take hold and reshape our world? How is it related to the infamous UN SDGs?

In this episode of Liberty Curious, Paul Mueller joins Kate Wand to discuss and dissect.

Paul is an economist and Senior Research Faculty at AIER who specializes in defending freedom and combatting collectivism. He has written a definitive collection of articles on ESG.

ESG has been perniciously changing the way corporations, governments, NGOs and institutions operate. This ideological framework synonymous with stakeholder capitalism has become the subject of scrutiny and public backlash, but nonetheless continues to dominate.

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The conversation explores the history, definition, and implications of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing. It delves into the origins of ESG in the post-World War II era and the rise of international organizations. The discussion highlights the utopian ideals and ideological shifts that have shaped the ESG movement. It also examines the technocratic element of ESG and the challenges of calculation and efficiency. The conversation raises concerns about the potential for eco-dictatorship and the threat ESG poses to freedom and individualism. In this conversation, Paul Mueller and Kate Wand discuss the totalitarianism of climate alarmists and the loss of individualism in the ESG movement. They explore the advocates for ESG, such as the World Economic Forum, and the pushback against ESG, including Larry Fink's change in stance. They also delve into the philosophical elements underlying the green movement and the potential future of ESG. The conversation highlights the importance of transparency, the value of nuclear energy, and the need to focus on adaptation rather than prevention. They conclude by discussing the role of intellectuals in shaping ESG policies.

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Paul Mueller's Related Articles:

https://www.aier.org/people/paul-mueller/

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/faith-freedom-self-reliance/the-totalitarianism-of-climate-alarmists

https://dailycaller.com/2023/12/09/opinion-gavin-newsoms-california-is-showing-us-what-the-green-energy-transition-looks-like-it-isnt-pretty-paul-mueller/

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TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Intro

1:31 - History of ESG

3:21 - ESG as a Quest for Global Solidarity

10:19 - Post-World War II Era and the Rise of International Organizations

12:22 - Utopian Ideals and Ideological Shifts

13:40 - Stakeholder Capitalism and the Technocratic Element of ESG

16:15 - The Problem of Calculation and Efficiency in ESG

18:45 - Consumer Value and the Top-Down Approach of ESG

31:40 - The Potential for Eco-Dictatorship in ESG

36:12 - ESG as a Threat to Freedom and Individualism

38:38 - Totalitarianism and the Loss of Individualism

41:05 - Advocates for ESG and the Totalitarianism of Climate Alarmists

45:05 - Larry Fink and the Pushback Against ESG

53:09 - The Social Responsibility of Businesses and the Birth of Stakeholder Capitalism

56:18 - The Future of ESG and its Impact on Economies

59:18 - The Potential of Nuclear Energy and the Need for Transparency

1:03:08 - The Malthusian Element and the Importance of Human Existence

1:05:20 - The Value of Adaptation and the Inefficiencies of ESG Means

1:05:47 - The Role of Intellectuals in Shaping ESG Policies

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Hayek: Intellectuals and Socialism: https://cdn.mises.org/Intellectuals%20and%20Socialism_4.pdf

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*** Please note that the opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and her guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Institute for Economic Research. The content presented in this show is intended for educational purposes only, and should not be considered as financial advice. ***