Each episode of Why It Matters breaks down an issue that is shaping our world’s future. Join host Gabrielle Sierra as she speaks with the leaders and thinkers w...
What does it mean to price our climate? The goal of fees like the “carbon tax” is to put a price on pollutants such as carbon dioxide that contribute to climate change, and incentivize businesses to reduce their emissions and make cleaner choices. But many companies are continuing to value profit over protecting the planet, backing out of their clean energy goals and sinking more money into fossil fuels and other short-term investments that harm the Earth. This has been happening for years, but has ramped up in anticipation of a new Trump administration which has pulled away from climate initiatives like the Paris Accord and Inflation Reduction Act since taking office.
This episode was originally released on July 29, 2020.
Featured Guests
Kate Mackenzie, Green Columnist, Bloomberg
Michael Greenstone, Professor of Economics, University of Chicago
For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/pricing-our-climate
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35:37
Why Climate Matters: Home Insurance
For decades, U.S. homeowners have counted on property insurance to protect them from catastrophic loss if their homes are destroyed. But last year, private companies pulled their coverage in multiple climate-sensitive states, only months before the fires in Los Angeles and the hurricanes in the Southeast region wreaked havoc. As climate disasters become more frequent, can home insurance hold up?
This episode was originally released on September 27, 2023.
Featured Guests
David Marlett, Managing Director of the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center, Appalachian State University
Nancy Watkins, Principal and Consulting Actuary, Milliman
For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/could-climate-change-break-home-insurance
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39:21
Why Climate Matters
Our editors top picks of Why It Matters episodes on climate.
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0:52
The Dirty Energy Powering AI
What powers artificial intelligence (AI)? As global electricity use is surging, with unprecedented demand coming from an increase in data centers, AI’s dependence on fossil fuels presents a serious issue for the planet. In the United States, data center power usage is on track to double by 2030, largely due to the proliferation of AI technology. But while the application of AI shows potential to mitigate climate problems, will its power grab stall the clean energy transition?
Featured Guests:
Varun Sivaram, Senior Fellow for Climate and Energy, CFR
For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/wim/dirty-energy-powering-ai
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35:56
Why the World Next Week Matters
Tumultuous events have rocked the last four years: the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe’s largest land war in eighty years, and an escalating Middle Eastern conflict between Israel and Iran-backed forces. On top of that, the United States faces an intensifying geopolitical struggle with China and Russia. Now, U.S. President Joe Biden is running out of time to secure his legacy while the transition to a second Donald Trump administration comes sharply into focus. The U.S. president-elect has been quickly nominating leaders to his cabinet and receiving calls from foreign leaders.
Why It Matters sits down with the hosts of The World Next Week to talk about what the United States–and a closely watching world–should expect in the weeks and months to come as incoming President Trump takes office.
Featured Guests:
Robert McMahon (Managing Editor, CFR)
Carla Anne Robbins (Senior Fellow, CFR)
For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/why-world-next-week-matters
Each episode of Why It Matters breaks down an issue that is shaping our world’s future. Join host Gabrielle Sierra as she speaks with the leaders and thinkers who are facing these questions head on. Fueled by the minds at the Council on Foreign Relations, Why It Matters brings some of the world’s most compelling stories home to you.
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