110| Ecological Economics, Systems Thinking, and the Limits to Growth
Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature
Release Date: 08/22/2024
Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature
In Episode 112 of Bionic Planet, titled "Fantasy Football and Dynamic Baselines: New Tools for Impact Assessment," we unpack the often misunderstood concept of dynamic baselines and its origin in synthetic controls, using fantasy football as an analogy. The episode begins with a clear and relatively simple explanation of dynamic baselines, which have emerged as a valuable tool in climate finance. Unlike traditional static baselines, which rely on fixed reference points, dynamic baselines adapt to changing conditions and provide a more accurate measure of impact. We discuss the importance of...
info_outline 111 | The False Dichotomy Between Reductions and Removals (Rerun)Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature
Support Bionic Planet: Recent updates from the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) have pushed an old debate into public awareness, highlighting a perceived divide between emissions reductions and carbon removals. While SBTi's new guidelines focus on cutting emissions directly within company operations, some argue this creates a false dichotomy, downplaying the essential role of carbon removals in achieving net-zero goals. In reality, both strategies—reductions and removals—are not opposing forces but complementary tools needed to combat climate change effectively. In Episode...
info_outline 110| Ecological Economics, Systems Thinking, and the Limits to GrowthBionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature
Support Bionic Planet: Guests: Jim Pittman ( Matt Orsagh ( Steve Rocco ( Books Referenced: Ecological Economics ( The Limits to Growth ( The Web of Life ( Thinking in Systems ( Energy and Civilization ( Sustainability is for Everyone ( Less is More ( Donut Economics ( Technical Revolutions in Financial Capital ( The End of Nature () In Season 9, Episode 110 of Bionic Planet, titled "Ecological Economics, Systems Thinking, and the Limits to Growth," we delve into a thought-provoking discussion with ecological economists Jim Pittman, Matt Orsagh, and Steve Rocco. The episode explores the...
info_outline 109 | How Brazil's Quilombola Communities are Planting the Seeds of Sustainability for Small Farms Around the World, with Vasco van Roosmalen of ReSeedBionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature
Support Bionic Planet: In episode 109 of Bionic Planet, we learn how the Quilombola people of Brazil are blending the IPCC Livelihood Vulnerability Index Assessment with soil carbon methodologies developed under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) to save themselves and their soil from urban expansion and agricultural encroachment. We begin with Sandra Pereira Braga, a descendant of enslaved peoples who has been farming on her family's land for almost 300 years. Sandra's story highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the traditional practices and accumulated carbon...
info_outline 108 | The Washington Post’s Head Scratcher of a Carbon StoryBionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature
Photo by on Support me at patreon.com/bionicplanet Related Links to Follow In episode 108 of Bionic Planet, I delve into a recent article published by the Washington Post that is riddled with inaccuracies, false premises, and misleading information. The episode serves as a critical analysis of the article, highlighting the importance of fact-checking and the credibility of mainstream media in reporting on complex issues such as climate change and carbon finance. The episode begins with a passionate rant about the Washington Post's story, titled "How Carbon Cowboys Are Cashing In on...
info_outline 107 | Francis Bacon and the Prehistory of Climate Finance. Second in an intermittent series on the Untold Story of the Voluntary Carbon MarketBionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature
Support Bionic Planet: Books referenced in this episode: "The Discovery of Global Warming" by Spencer Weart (Hypertext version): "Lavoisier in the Year One" by Madison Smartt Bell: "The Life and Letters of Joseph Black, M. D." by William Ramsay (Hypertext version): In this episode of Bionic Planet, we delve into the history of the science underpinning Nature-based Climate Solutions (NbCS), beginning in the 1620s, in the Flemish village of Vilvoorde. The episode kicks off with the story of Jan Baptist van Helmont, a physician who conducted an experiment planting a five-pound...
info_outline 106 | Steve Discusses the "Tribes of the Climate Realm" on the Smarter Markets PodcastBionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature
This episoed of Bionic Planet is technically an episode of Andrew Greely’s podcast, Smarter Markets, where I appeared as a guest to discuss my new vertical "The Tribes of the Climate Realm." It’s not a series but a vertical, where episodes will drop intermittently over the remainder of the year and probably for years to come. If you're sharing or referencing the show, please reference the original at The discussion revolves around the historical context of the first generation of REDD projects and the media criticism they have encountered. Steve Zwick emphasizes the importance of...
info_outline 105 | The Role of Carbon Credits in Conservation: A Case Study from GuatemalaBionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature
In this episode of Bionic Planet, we delve into the inspiring journey of Marco Cerezo, the director of Fundaeco, a conservation NGO based in Guatemala. Marco shares his lifelong dedication to nature conservation, sustainable community development, and the fight against climate change. He recounts his early experiences studying development economics and the pivotal moment in 1989 when he learned about climate change from NASA geophysicists, which fueled his passion for conservation. Marco discusses the challenges faced by Fundaeco in its early days, relying on small grants and volunteers to...
info_outline 104 | Transition Finance: How Carbon Markets REALLY Work, with David AntonioliBionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature
In episode 104 of Bionic Planet, I delve into the intricacies of carbon finance with my guest, David Antonioli. We explore the concept of transformational finance, where carbon payments are used to catalyze sustainable practices that can eventually stand on their own. We discuss the limitations of the current additionality tool, which focuses on individual project assessments, and the need for a more holistic approach to drive long-term sector-wide transitions. David Antonioli, with his extensive experience in climate change and carbon markets, shares insights on the need for a paradigm shift...
info_outline 103 | Jen Jenkins on Purists, Pragmatists, and Science-Based TargetsBionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature
In Episode 103 of Bionic Planet, titled "Purists, Pragmatists, and the Science-Based Targets Initiative," we delve into the complex world of emission reduction targets and the challenges companies face to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The episode explores the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTI), a program designed to assist companies in setting emission reduction targets aligned to achieve net zero emissions. The episode begins by highlighting the significant increase in companies committing to SBTI since January 2023, with many not submitting their plans until January 2025. We learn...
info_outlineSupport Bionic Planet:
https://www.patreon.com/bionicplanet
Guests:
Jim Pittman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamespittman/)
Matt Orsagh (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-orsagh-a1b8417/)
Steve Rocco (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steverocco/)
Books Referenced:
Ecological Economics (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/77985.Ecological_Economics?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=ZDNVmbxl5B&rank=1)
The Limits to Growth (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/705418.Limits_to_Growth?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=1uh5jgBt1O&rank=1)
The Web of Life (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26155239-web-of-life)
Thinking in Systems (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3828902-thinking-in-systems?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Q81KDn3a1D&rank=1)Energy and Civilization (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31850765-energy-and-civilization?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=pCNkYwiE3S&rank=1)
Sustainability is for Everyone (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19107270-sustainability-is-for-everyone?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=sX3sH8kdj5&rank=1)
Less is More (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53328332-less-is-more?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_12)
Donut Economics (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57410899-donut-economics?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15)
Technical Revolutions in Financial Capital (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60509.Technological_Revolutions_and_Financial_Capital?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=TcwHjED9BR&rank=1)
The End of Nature (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199359.The_End_of_Nature?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_17)
In Season 9, Episode 110 of Bionic Planet, titled "Ecological Economics, Systems Thinking, and the Limits to Growth," we delve into a thought-provoking discussion with ecological economists Jim Pittman, Matt Orsagh, and Steve Rocco. The episode explores the fundamental concepts of ecological economics, systems thinking, and the difference between overshoot and tipping points.
The conversation begins with a reflection on the limitations of using GDP as a measure of a nation's health, as highlighted by economist Simon Kuznets, the inventor of GDP. The guests emphasize the importance of rethinking economic health and well-being, shifting from a focus on GDP growth to a more holistic approach that includes human and planetary health.
The discussion then delves into the historical context of the environmental movement, referencing influential books like "The End of Nature" by Bill McKibben and "The Limits to Growth" published in 1972. The guests highlight the interconnectedness of human activities, climate change, biodiversity loss, and the urgent need to address these issues before reaching irreversible tipping points.
The conversation also touches on the concept of degrowth, which proposes an equitable downscaling of production and consumption to enhance human well-being and ecological conditions. The guests emphasize the importance of transitioning from individual self-interest to collective optimization, drawing parallels with the behavior of slime molds in response to scarcity.
The episode concludes with a call to action for reevaluating our current economic paradigm, shifting towards a more sustainable and equitable model that prioritizes health and well-being over GDP growth. The guests stress the urgency of addressing planetary boundaries, overshoot, and the impending tipping points that threaten the stability of our ecosystems.
Overall, the episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of ecological economics, systems thinking, and the imperative need for transformative change to ensure a sustainable future for humanity and the planet.
Timestamps
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Introduction to Ecological Economics and Systems Thinking
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Discussion on the Influence of Popular Books on Climate Change Awareness
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Evolution of Climate Change Discourse and Scientific Consensus
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Introduction to the Limits to Growth and Systems Modeling
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Discussion on the Flaws of GDP as an Indicator of Success
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Importance of Systems Thinking and Tipping Points
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Degrowth as a Response to Overshoot and Tipping Points
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Challenges and Opportunities in Transitioning to a Degrowth Paradigm
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The Role of Slime Molds in Understanding Resource Allocation
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The Urgency of Addressing Planetary Boundaries and Resource Scarcity
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The Need for Collective Action and Policy Changes in the Face of Environmental Challenges
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Reflections on the Evolution of Economic Thinking and the Path to Sustainable Development
Quotes
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"Goals for more growth should specify of what and for what." - 00:00:23-00:00:34
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"It's the difference between knowing that your two packs a day could very well give you cancer and hearing the doctor clear his throat and say, 'I've got something to tell you.'" - 00:01:06-00:01:17
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"Degrowth is just the end result there. It's not like we want that. It's just like you need it because you've got to go on a diet." - 00:06:24-00:06:34
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"We know that the enemy is carbon and we know it's ugly face. We should put a big fat price on it. And of course, add to that, drop the subsidies." - 00:07:16-00:07:26
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"Earth Overshoot Day from the Global Footprint Network using the ecological footprint methodology." - 00:44:29-00:44:40
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"If something cannot go on forever, it will stop. And of course, it will stop. It's unsustainable." - 00:45:01-00:45:11
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"We're using Earth as though we had 1.6 Earths to use. That's the consumption and the rate of resource use we're using." - 00:44:51-00:45:01
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"Most of all, when proposing GDP as an indicator, Kuznets did not intend for it to be used in the way that we're using it now." - 00:46:21-00:46:32