Ep81 [2/2] Andrew Chirgwin: The end of the world (economics that stays in its lane)

Welcome to episode 81 of Activist #MMT. Today is the end of the world. Wait. Let me try that again. Today is part two of my conversation with sixth-year MMT activist Andrew Chirgwin. It's a dark episode. Just letting you know. Today Andrew and I continue our conversation about how neoclassical economists don't "stay in their lane", and have essentially given themselves, and those who advise them, veto power over every facet of our lives. Most relevant to today's episode is mitigating, or more precisely, not mitigating the climate crisis. Andrew and I hit the issue head on, and it's not pretty. The depth of what we face as a species is stark, it's coming in the not-so-distant future, and is becoming more likely by the day. Andrew and I come to terms with this reality, and also wrestle what it means to choose to bring up young children in this context. Mine 11- and 14-year-old boys, his 6- and 8-year old little girls. I want to mention that the first hint of this severity was made aware to me by Australian economics professor Steven Hail, whose 2020 Facebook post was also the inspiration for our conversation in part one. I spoke with Steven at length at the 2018 MMT conference in New York City. Before talking with him, I was certain that climate change was a very serious issue. After speaking with him, I started understanding that it may actually be a climate crisis. A much fuller introduction can be found before part one, but for now, let's get right back to my conversation with Andrew Chirgwin.