Ideas worth spreading

The economic benefits of climate action

253,416 views | Marcelo Mena • TED2020

Marcelo Mena, the former environment minister of Chile, is on a mission to create a zero-emission economy in his country by 2050. In a conversation about climate action, he discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic is changing Chile's ambitious plan to tackle climate change -- and explains why the green recovery needs to be powered by both political leaders and citizens alike. (This virtual conversation, hosted by TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers and global curator Bruno Giussani, was recorded on May 26, 2020.)

Marcelo Mena, the former environment minister of Chile, is on a mission to create a zero-emission economy in his country by 2050. In a conversation about climate action, he discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic is changing Chile's ambitious plan to tackle climate change -- and explains why the green recovery needs to be powered by both political leaders and citizens alike. (This virtual conversation, hosted by TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers and global curator Bruno Giussani, was recorded on May 26, 2020.)

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Learn more about Chile's efforts to create a sustainable and resilient nation.

Listen to "Ponerse las Pilas" podcast, which tells the stories of pragmatic people who are pushing the shift toward a fossil-free society.

About the speakers

Marcelo Mena

Biochemical engineer

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An environmentalist and former minister of the environment, Marcelo Mena is helping Chile make a low emission, resilient and inclusive transition to zero emissions by 2050.

Whitney Pennington Rodgers

Whitney Pennington Rodgers

TED current affairs curator

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Whitney Pennington Rodgers is an award-winning journalist and media professional.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2015 | Article

"The Economic Consequences of Climate Change"

Gobierno de Chile, 2020 | Article

"Chile's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)"

Global Commission on Adaption, 2019 | Article

"Adapt Now: A Global Call For Leadership On Climate Resilience"

Kirsten Hund et al. | Climate Smart Mining Facility, 2020 | Article

"Minerals for Climate Action: The Mineral Intensity of the Clean Energy Transition"

Marcelo Mena Carrasco | World Bank Blogs, 2019 | Article

"Finance ministers, climate champions of our time"

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Learn more about Chile's efforts to create a sustainable and resilient nation.

Listen to "Ponerse las Pilas" podcast, which tells the stories of pragmatic people who are pushing the shift toward a fossil-free society.