3 chapters across the catalog
Global Biodiversity Deal and Natural Asset Classes
At a UN summit, 190 countries reached a historic deal to protect global biodiversity. The agreement involves significant financial transfers from wealthy nations to developing countries to preserve ecosystems like the Amazon, which critics argue is a step toward commoditizing nature through new "natural asset" classes.
Natural Asset Class, Wall Street Commodification of Nature
The Rockefeller Foundation and the New York Stock Exchange have introduced a new "Natural Asset Class" (NAC). This investment vehicle allows for the commodification of natural processes, such as air and water filtration, previously considered part of the commons. Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat also spoke about structured investments in nature as a way to unlock capital for climate goals.
Al Gore, Climate Change and Subprime Carbon Assets
Al Gore delivered a speech comparing the climate crisis to the subprime mortgage collapse, warning of "subprime carbon assets." The hosts criticize Gore's rhetoric as nonsensical and link his "you don't get it" communication style to Werner Erhard's seminar training from the 1970s.
