Environmental Journalist James Fahn Updates His Outlook on Thailand's Eco-Efforts [S6.E7]

Greg interviews James Fahn, the Executive Director of
Internews' Earth Journalism Network. Greg begins by opening a
discussion about James' book "A Land On
Fire," which was published in 2003, after James
worked as the environmental editor at The Nation newspaper in
Bangkok in the 1990s. James explains that at The Nation, he wrote
extensively about environmental issues in Thailand and Southeast
Asia, including doing investigative reporting on corruption and
corporate malfeasance that damaged the environment. James even
tells a story of how he narrowly avoided interviewing a Burmese
strong man who likely would have put James on his hit
list.


Greg then asks James about how Thailand has changed over
time, and whether there is any reason to be optimistic. James
notes several things that have gotten better, from public
transportation to air pollution to public parks, but then also
raises several areas where Thailand still needs a lot of work,
such as protection of coral reefs and in the excessive use of
plastic. Overall, however, James remains an optimistic, which we
are certainly glad to hear at the Bangkok Podcast. 


James concludes by making his case that we don't have to
choose between a free market that is pro-business and economic
growth and a heavily regulated market that protects the
environment at the expense of the economy. Experience in the
States shows that preserving the environment can actually boost
the economy if done right. Is James eligible to run for Thai
Prime Minister? The Bangkok Podcast wants to know!


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