Policy for the Planet

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. Download the episode transcript [PDF] Learn more about David Fishman. Learn more about Monica de Bolle.

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.

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. Download the episode transcript [PDF] Learn more about Elina Ribakova. Learn more about Monica de Bolle.