80,000 Hours Podcast #160 – Hannah Ritchie on why it makes sense to be optimistic about the environment
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Aug 14, 2023 
Hannah Ritchie, head of research at Our World in Data and author of "Not the End of the World," shares her insights on environmental optimism. She argues that increasing agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa is crucial for alleviating global poverty and food insecurity. Ritchie discusses the importance of technological advancements and international cooperation in addressing climate challenges. She also highlights the success of global initiatives like the Montreal Protocol and emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental issues, inspiring listeners to engage proactively.
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Green Tech Support
- Support green technologies by purchasing electric cars, solar panels, or meat substitutes.
- This sends a market signal, driving down costs and making them accessible to lower-income countries.
Sub-Saharan African Agricultural Productivity
- Low agricultural productivity traps many sub-Saharan Africans in poverty, hindering economic growth and environmental sustainability.
- Increasing crop yields is crucial for alleviating poverty and preventing deforestation due to land expansion for farming.
Labor Productivity
- Labor productivity measures output per unit of labor, reflecting the efficiency of human effort in agriculture.
- Low labor productivity in sub-Saharan Africa stems from small farm sizes and lack of access to machinery and modern inputs.
