JRE #1896 – Bjørn Lomborg

This podcast features a conversation with Bjørn Lomborg, a statistician and director of the Copenhagen Consensus Center, known for his skeptical views on climate change and his focus on cost-effective solutions to global challenges.

Provocative topics include Lomborg’s views on climate change as a less pressing issue compared to other global problems, the effectiveness of certain environmental policies, the potential benefits of fracking, and the importance of innovation in addressing climate change.

Underlying themes explore the complexities of scientific consensus and public perception, the trade-offs inherent in policy decisions, the role of innovation in driving progress, and the importance of a balanced and nuanced approach to global issues.

Podcast Topics:

1. The Recycling Dilemma:
   • Burning plastics as a more efficient alternative to recycling, with potential benefits for the environment.
   • The challenges and inefficiencies of existing recycling systems, especially in the context of global plastic waste.
   • The role of China in the global plastic recycling market and the environmental consequences of outsourcing.
   • The need for simpler and more effective waste management strategies, prioritizing efficiency over complex sorting methods.
2. Microplastics and Human Health:
   • The potential health risks associated with microplastics entering the human body.
   • The role of phthalates in plastics and their potential impact on human reproduction.
   • The importance of understanding the trade-offs between the benefits and risks of plastics in society.
   • The need for further research on the long-term health impacts of microplastics.
3. The Evolution of Human Longevity:
   • The dramatic increase in life expectancy over the past century and its implications for societal progress.
   • The role of improved nutrition, healthcare, and living conditions in driving this trend.
   • The importance of addressing the concerns related to plastic chemicals and their potential impact on human development.
   • The need for a balanced perspective on the benefits and potential risks of technological advancements.
4. Lead in Gasoline and Its Impact on IQ:
   • The historical use of lead in gasoline and its detrimental impact on human intelligence.
   • The significant decline in IQ observed in populations exposed to lead during the period of its use.
   • The potential for environmental factors to affect human development and cognitive abilities.
   • The importance of scientific evidence in guiding policy decisions and addressing environmental health hazards.
5. The Climate Change Narrative:
   • Lomborg’s perspective on the climate change narrative and its potential for exaggeration and fear mongering.
   • The potential for media and political agendas to influence public perception of climate change.
   • The importance of a balanced and nuanced perspective on the science and implications of climate change.
   • The need for critical analysis of research and data related to climate change impacts.
6. Global Warming and Its Impact on Health:
   • The potential for increased heat deaths as temperatures rise due to climate change.
   • The importance of considering the impact of cold deaths and how warming temperatures could mitigate this risk.
   • The potential for climate change to exacerbate existing health problems and increase vulnerability, especially among older populations.
   • The need for adaptation strategies to address the health impacts of climate change and ensure resilience.
7. The Role of Fossil Fuels in Economic Development:
   • The historical and ongoing role of fossil fuels in driving economic growth and technological advancements.
   • The trade-offs between the benefits and risks of fossil fuel reliance.
   • The importance of finding sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels for a future economy.
   • The need for a balanced approach to energy policy, considering both economic and environmental factors.
8. Nuclear Power: A Potential Solution?
   • The safety and efficiency of nuclear power as a source of energy, compared to other options like coal.
   • The public perception of nuclear power and the historical concerns related to accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima.
   • The economic challenges and complexities associated with building new nuclear power plants.
   • The potential for innovation in nuclear technology to address existing concerns and make it a more viable option for the future.
9. The Importance of Innovation:
   • Lomborg’s emphasis on innovation as a key driver of progress and a solution to global challenges.
   • Examples of historical innovations, like the catalytic converter and the green revolution, that have significantly improved living conditions.
   • The potential for technological breakthroughs to address climate change, such as algae-based oil production.
   • The need for increased investment in research and development to foster innovation and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.
10. The Cost of Climate Action:
    • The potential economic costs associated with achieving net-zero emissions targets.
    • The importance of considering the feasibility and affordability of climate action, especially for developing countries.
    • The need for a cost-effective approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
    • The potential for innovation to reduce the costs associated with transitioning to a cleaner energy future.
11. The Impact of Climate Change on Sea Levels:
    • The potential for rising sea levels to impact coastal cities and communities.
    • The effectiveness of adaptation measures like seawalls and flood defenses in mitigating the risks.
    • The need for a realistic assessment of the risks and benefits of adaptation strategies.
    • The importance of considering the economic and social impacts of climate change and the potential for displacement and social disruption.
12. The Importance of Addressing Poverty:
    • Lomborg’s argument that addressing poverty and economic development should be a priority alongside climate change mitigation.
    • The disproportionate impact of climate change on the world’s poorest populations.
    • The need for a holistic approach to development that addresses multiple challenges, including poverty, education, and health.
    • The potential for economic growth and technological advancements to improve living standards and reduce vulnerability to climate change.
13. The Role of Education:
    • Lomborg’s emphasis on the importance of education as a driver of economic progress and societal well-being.
    • The need for effective and equitable education systems that cater to the needs of diverse learners.
    • The potential of technology and innovative approaches to enhance learning outcomes, particularly in developing countries.
    • The importance of investing in education as a long-term strategy for addressing global challenges, including climate change and poverty.
14. The Importance of a Balanced Perspective:
    • The need for a balanced and nuanced perspective on complex global issues, avoiding both fear mongering and complacency.
    • The importance of critically evaluating information and data to form informed opinions and make sound policy decisions.
    • The role of open dialogue and diverse perspectives in finding solutions to global challenges.
    • The need to move beyond polarization and find common ground for addressing shared priorities.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “Most things in the real world are both a problem and a benefit, and we need to find out how do we make it more of a benefit and less of a problem.”
• “The point is not that we shouldn’t be concerned about issues and that we should be investigating things. But you also gotta remember our civilizations actually really, really good at making sure that we are concerned about all the different things.”
• “The world is getting better and better. But because of global warming, it gets slightly slower, much better.”
• “The way you fix problems is through innovation.”
• “We can actually both liberate ourselves and realize, yeah, problem at the end of the war, and then also start talking about all these other issues and make sure that we actually leave this planet, not just a little bit better, but a lot better.”