TED: What a living whale is worth -- and why the economy should protect nature | Ralph Chami

The speaker shares their journey from a financial economist to valuing the carbon sequestration services of whales and elephants. They explain how these animals capture carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. The speaker emphasizes the economic value of living nature and proposes a regenerative economy that values natural ecosystems. They highlight the potential for countries like Gabon to generate revenue through carbon offsets, advocating for a sustainable approach to economic growth.

What role do whales play in carbon sequestration?

• They release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

• They have no impact on carbon levels.

• They capture carbon directly and indirectly.

• They only store carbon temporarily.

How do whales contribute to the carbon cycle in the ocean?

• By releasing carbon dioxide through respiration.

• By avoiding krill and eating only phytoplankton.

• By reducing the number of phytoplankton.

• By eating krill and storing carbon in their bodies.

What is the estimated value of a whale's carbon sequestration service?

• $3 million

• $2 million

• $1 million

• $4 million

How do elephants contribute to carbon sequestration?

• By migrating to different regions.

• By reducing tree growth.

• By increasing carbon sequestration in trees.

• By consuming large amounts of carbon.

What is the estimated global value of seagrass in carbon sequestration?

• $4 trillion

• $1 trillion

• $2.3 trillion

• $3 trillion

What are the three pillars needed to build an economy around nature?

• Science, technology, and innovation

• Technology, finance, and marketing

• Science, valuation, and legal frameworks

• Economics, politics, and culture

How can Gabon benefit financially from its elephants?

• By using elephants for tourism.

• By selling carbon offsets from elephants.

• By exporting elephants to other countries.

• By selling elephant meat.

Who are considered the stewards of nature in the proposed economy?

• Government officials

• Local and indigenous populations

• Corporate executives

• International organizations

What is the main message regarding the relationship between flora and fauna?

• Flora is more important than fauna.

• Neither flora nor fauna is important.

• Fauna is more important than flora.

• Both flora and fauna are essential for a thriving nature.

What is the ultimate goal of building an economy around nature?

• To achieve sustainable and shared prosperity.

• To focus solely on technological advancements.

• To extract as many resources as possible.

• To eliminate all forms of wildlife.