Zero: The Climate Race Your questions answered: Is Donald Trump a climate warrior in disguise?
18 snips
Sep 4, 2025 Listener questions spark a lively discussion on trade tariffs and their impact on climate change, revealing a complex relationship. The debate shifts to the energy density of renewables versus fossil fuels and nuclear, weighing cost and efficiency. Financial implications surface as banks withdraw from Net Zero commitments, showcasing a divide in lending practices. Lastly, the podcast tackles the contrasting demand for green technologies globally and the crucial role of policy and international collaboration in supporting a sustainable future.
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Trade Cuts Can Lower Emissions — But At A Cost
- Tariff-driven drops in trade could cut CO2 short-term but by hurting economies and jobs.
- Akshat Rathi warns this is not the climate route we want since growth plus lower emissions is preferable.
Use Carbon Borders Not Tariff Wars
- Use trade policy to shift emissions by pricing carbon at borders rather than shrinking trade itself.
- The EU's carbon border adjustment forces higher-emission exporters to pay and incentivizes cleaner production.
Calgary Holiday Revealed Pro-Oil Messaging
- Eleanor reported meeting many pro-oil, anti-renewable people on holiday in Calgary who argued renewables aren't dense enough.
- Akshat calls that messaging propaganda and explains the nuance behind energy-density claims.