We are missing the forest for the trees on free trade

Over the past two decades, Bangladesh has remarkably managed to feed an increasing population better - the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization estimates that in 1993, the average Bangladeshi had access to just 2,000 calories per day, whereas today that number has increased to 2,450 calories per day. To a large extent, this success comes on the back of ever-higher rice production - rice makes up 70 percent of the average daily calorie intake.

The Covid-19 pandemic has whittled away two years of economic development. It has also made it difficult for countries worldwide to adhere to 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. The world pledged to, among other things, end extreme poverty, ensure universal healthcare and provide education for all children by 2030.

The Biden Administration wants to spend the equivalent of $1,500 per American per year on climate policies such as electric cars. At the same time, more than half of US citizens are unwilling to pay even $24 per year.

Bjorn Lomborg argues in an interview with Fox News that this is unsustainable. Instead, we need a cheaper and more effective climate approach, focusing on ramping up green R&D. If we can innovate the price of green energy below fossil fuels, countries such as India and China could also afford to lower their emissions.