New Enlightenment

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Moore, a biochemist and author of 'The Decarbonization Delusion.' For Moore, the decarbonisation agenda is misguided. But he is emphatic about the need to stop using fossil fuels. Moore is concerned about the limitations of battery technology in achieving sustainability, arguing instead that we need to consider e-fuels and other technologies that can be used in existing internal-combustion engines.  Takeaways  The decarbonisation agenda should focus on achieving net zero emissions but must consider the sustainability and environmental impact of alternative technologies.  Battery technology has limitations and requires careful consideration of its environmental impact and recycling challenges.  The sustainability footprint of battery electric vehicles needs to be evaluated in comparison to internal combustion engine vehicles.  China is not solely focused on electric vehicles and is investing in technology diversity, including methanol burning internal combustion engine vehicles. The European Union's policy on zero and low emission vehicles lacks technological diversity and may overlook the potential of e-fuels.  E-fuels, such as methanol, can be a viable alternative to electric vehicles, especially for long-distance trucking and buses. Buy Andrew's book: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-decarbonization-delusion-9780197664834?cc=gb&lang=en& Adam Smith's Panmure House: https://panmurehouse.org/

In this episode, we sit down with geographer and political economist Brett Christophers to discuss his new book The Price is Wrong, which explores the profitability challenges of renewable energy businesses and the economic obstacles to decarbonisation. We explore the role of subsidies, profitability, and market design in renewable energy investment. For Christophers, there are clear limitations of relying solely on free markets to address climate change.     Takeaways  The profitability challenges of renewable energy businesses pose economic obstacles to decarbonisation.   Subsidies play a crucial role in incentivising renewable energy investment; and removing them too soon can lead to a decline in investment.  Market design is essential in facilitating the transition to renewable energy, and simply relying on market forces may not be sufficient.  State intervention, either through compelling investment or state-owned companies, can be effective in driving renewable energy development.  Public sector ownership should operate differently from the private sector to achieve the desired outcomes in renewable energy.  Adam Smith's Panmure House: ⁠⁠https://panmurehouse.org/⁠ Buy Brett's book: https://www.versobooks.com/products/3069-the-price-is-wrong

In this episode, we sit down with economist and noted inequality researcher Branko Milanovic to discuss the influence of classical political economists like Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and David Ricardo, along with his latest book Visions of Inequality. He shares his formative experiences studying income distribution in socialist Yugoslavia, the ideological reluctance to discuss income inequality, the relevance of classical political economists in understanding income distribution today (particularly in relation to the return of class), and the challenges of speculating on future developments such as AI and the politics of global elites. Our conversation concludes with a discussion on Adam Smith's perspective on globalisation and the future developments and geopolitical competition that may shape the world.  Takeaways: Classical political economists like Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and David Ricardo are relevant in understanding income distribution today, particularly in relation to the return of class and the elite.  Speculating on future developments in income distribution is challenging, but studying the historical evolution of economic thought can provide insights into how our perception of inequality may be shaped by future circumstances.   Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly impact inequality and the income distribution, particularly by displacing skilled workers and increasing the share of capital.  Broadening the ownership of capital and redistributing wealth can help address the increasing income inequality caused by artificial intelligence.  The emergence of a global elite raises new questions for social scientists, such as the implications for international relations, democracy, corruption, and taxation.  Adam Smith's writings provide insights into the potential benefits and challenges of globalisation, including the importance of prosperity and technological development in promoting peace.  Adam Smith's Panmure House: ⁠https://panmurehouse.org/⁠ Podcast in DC: ⁠https://panmurehouse.org/perspectives/podcasts/panmure-house-at-the-british-embassy-washington-dc/⁠ Buy Branko's book: ⁠https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674264144⁠ ⁠https://www.panmurehouse.org/shop/merchandise/visions-of-inequality-by-branko-milanovic/