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Lifeworlds

[Full Interview] Money: In Service of Nature? - with Eric Smith

Aug 30, 2022
Eric Smith, Founder/CEO of Edacious and a pioneer in climate finance, shares his vast experience at the intersection of economics and nature. He discusses the challenges of valuing nature without commodifying it and emphasizes the importance of holistic investment strategies that support ecological preservation. Smith also delves into the complexities of regenerative agriculture, exploring the balance between economic growth and ecological values. He advocates for sustainable practices and the empowerment of producers within the food supply chain.
58:58

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast emphasizes that traditional financial mechanisms often fail to capture the intrinsic and complex value of nature essential for survival.
  • Catalytic impact investing is highlighted as a vital strategy that balances financial returns with significant ecological benefits in investment decisions.

Deep dives

Reorienting Finance to Support Nature

The discussion centers on whether financial mechanisms can effectively support ecological systems that have historically suffered from exploitation. It is acknowledged that traditional market approaches cannot fully capture the profound and complex value of nature, which remains essential for human survival and the economy. Capital is not inherently designed to foster a deeper appreciation or love for nature, and a word of caution is issued against commoditizing natural resources as a solution for conservation. The challenge lies in finding a balance where finance supports nature without further commodifying it, acknowledging that while markets can aid in conservation efforts, they cannot replace the intrinsic value of ecosystems.

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