Gretchen Daly

Michael Greenstone, former Chief Economist for the Obama administration, and Gretchen Daly, a leading Professor at Stanford, discuss the intricate relationship between economics and the Amazon rainforest crisis. They argue that traditional moral pleas often miss the root causes of deforestation. The duo emphasizes innovative economic strategies for conservation, such as carbon pricing and the significance of natural capital. They draw on global examples, highlighting lessons from China and Brazil, to showcase how financial incentives can effectively combat environmental degradation.

Michael Greenstone, former chief economist for President Obama, and Gretchen Daly, a Stanford biology professor, delve into the economics of saving the Amazon rainforest. They discuss the urgent impact of deforestation, emphasizing financial incentives over moral appeals for conservation. The duo explores innovative economic models that value ecosystem services and propose subsidizing local ranchers to align economic needs with ecological sustainability. Their conversation highlights that preserving the Amazon not only protects the environment but could also be more profitable than traditional agriculture.