The Panama Canal suffered severe droughts in 2023 and 2024. Lower water levels disrupted vital US commercial trade routes for liquefied natural gas and other products. The canal's disabled state opens an opportunity for China, which is investing in infrastructure throughout Latin America, causing concern in Washington. With weather patterns changing, is the canal doomed? In this episode, host Monica de Bolle asks David A. Gantz (Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University) whether anything can be done to save the canal. There are alternatives being explored—some of them surprising, expensive, and potentially realistic. If the United States is to combat Chinese influence in Latin America, he argues, investing in the Panama Canal is a vital and urgent priority. 

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

Download the episode transcript [PDF]

Learn more about David A. Gantz. 

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

Is it possible to pursue climate efforts, create jobs, and achieve social justice at the same time? That was the challenge that the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was designed to meet. Ben Beachy (Global Fund for a New Economy), an architect of the Act, joins Monica de Bolle (PIIE) to explain the accomplishments and disappointments experienced by the Biden administration over one of its signature efforts, and policy strategies for the future in the wake of legislative rollbacks. 

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

Download the episode transcript PDF.

Learn more about Ben Beachy.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

We spoke last year on this podcast about the European Union's ambitious climate agenda. The world has changed since then! A new US president determined to impose tariffs on Europe poses tough new challenges for Europe's goals. Joining is Cecilia Malmström (PIIE), who will help us understand the changes in Europe since October and update us on the EU's climate agenda, industrial policies, and the desperate need for climate-focused collaboration.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

Download the episode transcript [PDF]

Learn more about Cecilia Malmstrom.
Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

The United States has become the world's biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, a trend certain to continue under President Donald Trump, but will this surge hurt or help the cause of climate change? Renowned energy expert and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Daniel Yergin (S&P Global) joins to discuss the future of  LNG exports and how LNG could play a useful role in the green transition.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

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Learn more about Dan Yergin.

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How does climate change exacerbate armed conflicts—and how do conflicts get in the way of climate efforts? Cullen S. Hendrix (Peterson Institute for International Economics) joins to examine the economic and security implications of climate change, with examples from the war in Ukraine, Syria, and other regions. He also discusses research on how weather patterns affect political risk and securing supply chains of critical minerals in conflict-heavy areas, and why there's room for optimism.  

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

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The El Niño Southern Oscillation and Geopolitical Risk

Graphite from East Africa could help the US build green tech, but the region faces instability

Learn more about Cullen S. Hendrix.

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As the world grapples with climate change, carbon pricing has emerged as a proven policy tool for discouraging the use of fossil fuels. But raising the price of fuel, gasoline, and other fossil-based energy remains politically tough. Kimberly Clausing (Peterson Institute for International Economics; UCLA) joins to discuss how carbon pricing works, what makes it effective, why the US lags behind other nations in adoption, and how carbon taxes could bring us closer to the green transition.

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Learn more about Kimberly Clausing.

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Europe has emerged as a global leader in climate action, but what makes Europe's approach so effective? And how did the Russia-Ukraine war unexpectedly become a catalyst for a faster green transition? Jacob Funk Kirkegaard (Peterson Institute for International Economics; Bruegel) joins to discuss carbon pricing, Europe's adoption of renewable energy and electric vehicles, and whether Europeans are on board with these efforts.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

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Learn more about Jacob Funk Kirkegaard.

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There has been much hype over AI and its potential benefits to work and society, but what about the vast computing power necessary to develop and train deep learning models? Shaolei Ren (University of California Riverside) joins to discuss the effects of the AI supply chain on the environment and public health, and what regulatory actions are being taken to mitigate its negative impacts.  

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Our theme is "When I Hop" by Baegel.

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Learn more about Shaolei Ren.

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The warming of Planet Earth poses an array of public health challenges beyond excessive heat. The rising threat of prevalent vector-borne diseases is the subject of this conversation with Mary Hayden (University of Colorado, Colorado Springs), with a particular focus on the perils for developing countries, and whether the globe is ready for another public health crisis. 

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Learn more about Mary Hayden.

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China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases and the country faced new records for extreme temperatures in 2023. Its domestic response has prioritized measures to adapt to climate change rather than reduce emissions, but what other steps is it taking? Joanna Lewis (Georgetown University) joins to discuss China's green innovation, how to foster cooperation on climate , and the impact of decoupling policies on China's efforts.  

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

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Learn more about Joanna Lewis.

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Electric vehicles have surged in popularity in recent years. But not all consumers are ready to hit the EV pedal. In this episode, host Monica de Bolle sits with Mary E. Lovely (Peterson Institute for International Economics) to understand how the auto industry is changing; challenges for supply chains, the environment, and workers; and ultimately, what it will take to get more people to switch, especially in the United States. 

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

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Learn more about Mary E. Lovely.

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The rise in extreme weather events is forcing more people to leave their homes, but what about those left behind? Renowned immigration expert Michael A. Clemens (Peterson Institute for International Economics) joins to discuss how climate affects migration, common misconceptions, and how immigration policies need to adapt.     

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics and hosted by Monica de Bolle.

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Learn more about Michael A. Clemens.

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Ukraine has been defending itself from Russia's attack for more than three years, forcing it to struggle with a wartime economy. Negotiations to end the fighting have gone nowhere, but it is not too early to think about a resolution at some point. How will Ukraine rebuild if the countries reach a ceasefire? Elina Ribakova (PIIE) joins to discuss how Ukraine could pivot to a reconstruction with a green transition, taking advantage of its critical minerals while aiding Europe's efforts on defense spending. 

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

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Learn more about Elina Ribakova.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

As countries attempt to reduce carbon emissions, they must consider the price tag of rebuilding energy systems, housing, infrastructure, and more. Jean Pisani-Ferry (Peterson Institute for International Economics), former top adviser to President Emmanuel Macron of France, joins to discuss how the world will pay for the green transition. 

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics and hosted by Monica de Bolle.

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The Green Frontier: Assessing the Economic Implications of Climate Action

The economic implications of climate action

Learn more about Jean Pisani-Ferry.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

Solving the climate crisis requires a historic global collective effort. The Policy for the Planet podcast explores how countries are responding. Join best-selling author and scholar Monica de Bolle as she converses with economists, health experts, political scientists, and more to unravel the complex policy choices to save our planet's future. Subscribe today so you don't miss an episode!

From the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

In the age of the Internet, artificial intelligence, social media, and instant access to knowledge, disinformation has become a challenge in public discourse on climate change. Naomi Oreskes (Harvard University) joins to discuss how attacks on climate science contribute to polarization, the demonization of science, and how to combat these trends.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

Download the episode's transcript [PDF]

Mentioned in the episode: Naomi's latest book, The Big Myth.

Learn more about Naomi Oreskes.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

Access to water, a vital necessity for every walk of life, is increasingly jeopardized by the malign effects of climate change, from pollution to melting glaciers, erratic rainfall, and droughts. Finding science-based solutions is only a first step to protect humanity from water scarcity. Aaron Salzberg (consultant, formerly at the US Department of State) joins to talk about how declining water supplies are disrupting livelihoods–from displacing populations to interrupting trade routes–and how science must be mobilized by global organizations to mitigate a potentially looming crisis. 

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

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Learn more about Aaron Salzberg.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

India's poverty and tropical heat pose extraordinary challenges as its population faces rising temperatures, less rainfall, and torrid weather. But India is also uniquely positioned to deal with global warming internally, providing lessons for countries around the world. Arvind Subramanian (PIIE) joins to discuss the steps that India can take to tackle climate change and provide lessons for the world.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

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Learn more about Arvind Subramanian.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

Telling stories about the challenges of climate change has never been harder. The world is beset by other problems as the newscycle churns from crisis to crisis. Communicating the urgency of dealing with climate needs fresh approaches. Dan McDougall (Documentarian) joins to tell us about the climate storytelling crisis, how to engage audiences, and how to better frame stories for policymakers.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

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Learn more about Dan McDougall.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

Read about Dan's mentions: Greenland's glacier melting and climate change and mental health data.

An outbreak of bird flu in the United States and Canada is ravaging chicken flocks and driving up egg prices. What's causing the spread? Dr. Shayan Sharif (University of Guelph) joins to explain how climate change is affecting migratory birds and leading to more cases of bird flu globally.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

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Learn more about Shayan Sharif.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

Climate change is jeopardizing the future survival of millions of different kinds of seeds needed by growers to meet global food demands.

Cary Fowler (Svalbard Global Seed Vault; former Department of State), a founder of the little-known Svalbard Global Seed Vault, where millions of seeds are conserved inside a mountain in Norway, explains why drastic steps are needed to preserve biodiversity and meet future food security challenges. 

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

Download the episode transcript [PDF]

Learn more about Cary Fowler and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

The current political establishment's opposition to climate change incentives makes it easy to assume businesses are going along. But that's far from the case. Kristina Costa (formerly at the White House and Department of State) joins to discuss the status of the Inflation Reduction Act enacted under President Biden, renewable energy, and how IRA's new incentives that pushed the renewable agenda are not dead.

Download the episode transcript [PDF]

Learn more about Kristina Costa.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

Brazil has made many attempts to reform its fiscal problems, while never adequately addressing its increasingly burdensome government debt. At the same time, the country is home to the Amazon rainforest and is one of the world's biggest food producers, making its role vital in global climate efforts. Could Brazil be a global test case for green fiscal policies, delivering both fiscal and climate sustainability? Host Monica de Bolle is joined by Cornelius Fleischhaker (World Bank) to discuss potential paths for Brazil to tackle its fiscal problems while encouraging more climate-friendly policies.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

Download the episode transcript [PDF]

Read the full World Bank report: Double Dividend Policies to Achieve Fiscal and Environmental sustainability: A Public Finance Review for Brazil

Learn more about Cornelius Fleischhaker. 

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

China's population, a little over four times as large as the United States, and its economic ambitions are driving a gargantuan need for electricity. But China has been able to meet that need by expanding its electrical grid well beyond what any other country has achieved. How? Host Monica de Bolle is joined by David Fishman (Lantau Group) to discuss how China has used renewables and low-carbon energy to bolster its grid and what the United States and other countries can learn from its expansion.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

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Learn more about David Fishman.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

The US drive for critical minerals is now fueled by national security concerns instead of climate mitigation. Policymakers speak of shoring up global supply chains for these minerals to protect US defenses, an objective that has stoked geopolitical tensions. The old goal of promoting batteries and renewable energy has fallen by the wayside. Host Monica de Bolle is joined by Cullen S. Hendrix (PIIE) to discuss why the Trump administration adjusted its stance on critical minerals, how the globe responded to the new and aggressive approach, and what it means for the green transition. 

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

Download the episode transcript [PDF]

Learn more about Cullen S. Hendrix.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

Europe faces a new challenge: Mosquito-borne viruses, such as chikungunya, zika, and dengue, are now prevalent throughout the region, driven by warmer temperatures. Europe must combat these potentially debilitating diseases through education and prevention. Diana Rojas Alvarez (World Health Organization) joins host Monica de Bolle to explain why mosquitoes have moved so far north and the steps Europe has taken.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

Learn more about Diana Rojas Alvarez.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

Climate advocates face many barriers to progress: activism fatigue, misinformation, and a growing skepticism about global cooperation. Can countries get the public more engaged? Host Monica de Bolle is joined by Clemens Helbach (German Embassy, Washington) to discuss how Germany is pursuing local community actions, such as wetland protection and drone-assisted forest rehabilitation. The goal? To reawaken public interest by improving health, safety, and lives across the country.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

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Learn more about Clemens Helbach.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

As Americans face rising utility costs, much of the blame is being directed at the construction of new energy-intensive data centers. But are data centers actually the main culprit? Host Monica de Bolle is joined by Douglas Giuffre (S&P Global Energy) to discuss the multiple factors at play in soaring electricity charges. These range from supply chain disruptions to lack of investment in generating capacity, and changes in energy policy at the federal and state level. Data centers, he explains, aren't the center of the problem—yet.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

Download the episode transcript [PDF].

Learn more about Douglas Giuffre.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

As the cause of climate change mitigation loses favor in the White House, reducing risks from global warming has fallen to local communities. In New England, organizations like the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) are taking matters into their own hands. Host Monica de Bolle is joined by Glenn Prickett (GMRI), who describes how his organization helps lobster farmers, coastal communities, and the city of Portland develop tools to reduce the damage from overfishing, higher sea temperatures, and rising sea levels.

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

Download the episode transcript here. [PDF]

Learn more about Glenn Prickett.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

The war against Iran by the United States and Israel has spread turmoil through oil and natural gas markets, spiking prices and threatening the world economy. How will the war impact  the global economy, climate, and the determination of many countries to pursue energy from renewable sources? Adnan Mazarei (PIIE) joins host Monica de Bolle to explore the ramifications of another war in Iran; what it means for oil, natural gas, and other critical input markets; and how it might affect  environmental efforts and the green transition. 

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

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Learn more about Adnan Mazarei.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has announced a major deregulation of greenhouse gas emissions, effectively repealing 25-year-old emission standards for all light, medium, and heavy vehicles and engines of model years 2012 to 2027 and beyond. Host Monica de Bolle is joined by Jason Walsh (BlueGreen Alliance) to analyze the basis of the new Trump administration regulation, which rescinds the 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding and subsequent federal GHG emission standards, and how these rollbacks will affect public health, climate issues, and jobs in the United States. 

This podcast is produced by the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Music by Baegel/When I Hop/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

Learn more about Jason Walsh.

Learn more about Monica de Bolle.