Is nuclear power the key to a carbon-neutral future or an accident waiting to happen?

Non-hydro renewables such as wind and solar are predicted to play a major role in the future. However, one of these energy solutions has divided public opinion more than others. To mention the name "nuclear" is to conjure up the boogie man or "he who must not be named".

By 2050, some 10 billion people will need some form of energy to eat, travel, work and protect themselves from the weather. McKinsey's Energy 2050 research report predicts that demand for electricity will grow twice as fast as demand for transport, while at the same time fossil fuels will decline. So how will we power the future?

In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou Agbo-Bloua delves into the controversial topic of nuclear power, exploring its history, potential benefits and risks in the context of the global energy transition. He also highlights the dual nature of nuclear energy as both a powerful source of clean energy and a potentially catastrophic force capable of altering life at the atomic level.

To explore the issue further, Kokou orchestrates a virtual Oxford-style debate between experts for and against nuclear power. The pro-nuclear side includes Bill Gates, Ernest Moniz, George Monbiot and James Hansen, advocating for nuclear power as a necessary tool to combat climate change. The anti-nuclear side includes Tom Steyer and Mark Jacobson, who criticise its economic feasibility and safety concerns. Each expert presents their opening statement, outlining their position and the key matters surrounding nuclear power.

This episode will help you understand the fears, facts, and fission, so that you can make up your own mind about nuclear power.

About this show

Welcome to 2050 Investors, your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!

Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored ESG, climate change, AI, greenflation, globalization, plastic pollution, food, healthcare, biodiversity and more.

Credits

Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editors: Vincent Nickelsen, Jovaney Ashman, Linda Isker & Jennifer Krumm. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Rone. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. So why do well-known risk managements models fail to predict major events? Is it possible to know when and where the next crisis will come from? And how can we be better prepared?

In this episode of 2050 Investors, host Kokou Agbo-Bloua explores the theory of Black Swans, created by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, and its relevance to sustainability, climate change, and financial markets.

Delving into the world of the unexpected, he draws parallels between the dramatic twists and turns of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" and the unpredictability of life and finance, to investigate how sudden, unforeseen events—Black Swans—impact markets and our globalized world.

Kokou explains how these rare events, like the 2008 financial crisis and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, reshape financial landscapes.

In the context of climate change, these black swans are rebranded as ‘Green Swans’, symbolizing the increasing frequency and severity of climate events such as floods, heat waves, and wildfires. Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua as he assesses the impact of these Green Swans on our ability to manage risks and how they pose significant challenges for our economies and sustainability efforts. Kokou also emphasizes the importance of understanding the limitations of traditional risk management models and adapt in a rapidly changing world.

Lastly, he explores how the principles of antifragility, another term coined by Taleb, can help systems benefit from external stressors, making them more resilient in the face of volatility and uncertainty.

About this show

Welcome to 2050 Investors, your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!

Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored ESG, climate change, AI, greenflation, globalization, plastic pollution, food, healthcare, biodiversity and more.

Credits

Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editors: Vincent Nickelsen, Jovaney Ashman, Linda Isker. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Rone. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Chinese have a saying, 'A peaceful life has nothing to do with the passage of time'. This sound reminder points to the importance of enjoying life regardless of age. After all, age is just a number, right? Ageing has become a topical issue in the mainstream recently as experts warn of the incoming 'Silver Avalanche', which has already swept Europe and is making its way to Asia.

Global life expectancy has risen from 51 to 72 since 1960 and is expected to reach 77 by 2050. It is projected that there will be around 2.4 billion elderly (aged 65 or over) or 24% of the world's population by the end of the century.

Now, it is more important than ever to prepare for this demographic shift and ensure that older adults have access to the resources they need to live fulfilling lives. This, however, presents a dilemma, as while life expectancy is rising, families are shrinking as people have fewer children. The far-reaching effects are already being felt in many countries, including China.

In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou reflects on the ageing crisis and its impact on the world's population, its economy, and the planet. The conversation then shifts to an analysis of the silver economy: With the assistance of Yoda from Star Wars, who was once Siri but aged due to planned obsolescence, Kokou explores the impact of a shrinking workforce, pension fund deficits, and escalating healthcare costs on fiscal and monetary policy.

Later in the episode, Kokou talks with Wei Yao, Chief Economist for APAC at Societe Generale. With China's robust economic growth lifting millions out of poverty over the past decades, how does the country now address the imminent reality of an ageing population? There are solutions on the horizon, such as learning from countries like Japan and focusing on healthy ageing. However, striking a balance between economic growth and social welfare whilst creating a sustainable future is a complex challenge.

About this show

Welcome to 2050 Investors, your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!

Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored ESG, climate change, AI, greenflation, globalization, plastic pollution, food, healthcare, biodiversity and more.

Credits

Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editors: Vincent Nickelsen, Jovaney Ashman, Linda Isker. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Rone. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.