PodcastsSciencePolicy for the Planet

Policy for the Planet

Peterson Institute for International Economics
Policy for the Planet
Latest episode

29 episodes

  • Policy for the Planet

    How New England fights climate change with help from local organizations (Episode 28)

    17/03/2026 | 22 mins.
    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.
  • Policy for the Planet

    Are data centers driving up utility costs? (Episode 27)

    03/03/2026 | 23 mins.
    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.
  • Policy for the Planet

    Can local policies relieve climate activism fatigue? Germany's case (Episode 26)

    10/02/2026 | 21 mins.
    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.
    Download the episode transcript [PDF]
    Learn more about Clemens Helbach.
    Learn more about Monica de Bolle.
  • Policy for the Planet

    The geopolitics behind critical minerals (Episode 25)

    20/01/2026 | 25 mins.
    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.
  • Policy for the Planet

    Europe's fight against mosquito-borne viruses (Episode 24)

    06/01/2026 | 30 mins.
    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.

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About Policy for the Planet

Climate change is challenging countries in different ways, raising new economic, health, and geopolitical concerns. Policy for the Planet is a biweekly podcast that explores how communities and nations are responding and balancing tradeoffs while building a more sustainable future. Join best-selling author and PIIE scholar Monica de Bolle as she chats with experts to understand the fascinating experiences and policy choices that will shape the future of the planet. From the Peterson Institute for International Economics.
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