New Books in Economics

Peter Staudenmayer, a historian from Marquette University, delves into Garrett Hardin's significant yet controversial impact on environmentalism. The discussion highlights Hardin's Malthusian views, linking population control with eco-conservative ideologies. They explore his infamous 'Tragedy of the Commons' and its resonance amidst the 1960s population panic. The conversation also addresses Hardin's anti-immigrant stances and the influence of his ideas on modern far-right environmental rhetoric, ultimately questioning whether humanity is destined for conflict or collaboration.

R. Jisung Park, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania specializing in environmental and labor economics, sheds light on the everyday implications of climate change in his new book, 'Slow Burn'. He discusses how the hidden costs of warming, like productivity losses and impaired health, accumulate in our daily lives. Park reveals cognitive biases that shape our perception of climate risks and explores the adverse impacts of heat on work and education. He advocates for pragmatic climate dialogue and equitable policy design to combat these challenges.

Jeff Neilson, an Associate Professor specializing in economic geography, dives into the transformative world of rural Indonesia. He discusses the concept of 'fortress farming,' where smallholders use coffee cultivation as a safety net while seeking income outside agriculture. Neilson explores how off-farm activities impact farming identities and yield decisions. He highlights the challenges posed by dominant corporations in the coffee value chain and calls for new research to address stalled agrarian transitions and the future of livelihood resilience.

Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern, an associate professor at Syracuse University, and Teresa Mares, an anthropology professor at the University of Vermont, delve into the hidden labor aspects of our food system in their new book. They address crucial issues like farmworker food insecurity and the impact of immigration on labor vulnerability. The conversation also covers the changing dynamics in food processing, retail, and the often-overlooked value of domestic food work. Their insights illuminate the critical need for labor justice and solidarity among food workers.

Deborah Gordon, a senior principal at RMI and author of "No Standard Oil," dives into the complexities of oil and gas emissions. She debunks the myth of oil scarcity, highlighting the unique climate impacts of different fuels. Gordon introduces the innovative Oil Climate Index Plus Gas model and discusses how refining processes and government policies can significantly influence emissions. She shares actionable strategies for individuals and businesses while emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making for a sustainable energy future.

Lily Hsueh, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University, explores the intricate dynamics of corporate environmentalism and governance. She shares insights from her research on proactive corporate actions such as renewables and emissions targets. Hsueh discusses the Carbon Disclosure Project, its significance for investors, and the tension between regulatory rollbacks and corporate commitments. She also highlights the importance of local and global policies in driving climate action, emphasizing the role of businesses in mitigating emissions across supply chains.

Christopher F. Jones, an environmental historian and author of The Invention of Infinite Growth, dives into how the relentless pursuit of economic growth has overshadowed environmental concerns. He explores the historical neglect of material limits in economic thought and critiques modern GDP measurement's impact on policy. Jones highlights the dangerous illusion that wealth equates to environmental health, calling for interdisciplinary approaches to redefine prosperity. His compelling insights challenge listeners to rethink growth and advocate for sustainability and human welfare.

Joe Wiggins, a portfolio manager and behavioral finance expert, shares insights from his book, focusing on the complexities of fund investing. He warns against the allure of past performance and the pitfalls of investing with star managers. Wiggins discusses the importance of understanding market structures and the risks of thematic funds. He highlights the need for a long-term perspective and provides practical steps for improving investment decisions, including evaluating manager processes and avoiding overly complex strategies.

Allen B. Downey, a principal data scientist and author, delves into the importance of statistical thinking and its real-world applications. He uncovers the friendship paradox, highlighting how we often perceive ourselves as having fewer friends than our peers. Downey addresses sampling bias with concerning examples, such as inflated recidivism rates. He also critiques the 10,000-hour rule for expertise and explains how misinterpreting data has led to misleading policies. Overall, he emphasizes the need for better data literacy in society.

Michael Glass, an assistant professor of history at Boston College, explores the hidden complexities of suburban America in his latest work. He discusses how debt and speculation shaped the post-war suburban dream, revealing that homeownership and education weren't just privileges but commodities tied to financial strains and racial segregation. Glass shares personal narratives that highlight these systemic failures and how Black homeowners faced predatory practices. His insights redefine our understanding of suburban prosperity and emphasize the need for policy reform.