138. Deep sea mining: Necessary innovation or environmental risk?

What is the real value of investment in today’s world? From green energy to public infrastructure, investment has the power to reshape economies and drive meaningful change. But in a world facing climate crises, growing debt, and fragile growth, how can we make sure that capital is flowing where it’s truly needed? In this Weekly Tradecast, we speak with Nan Li Collins, director of UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) division on investment and enterprise. With decades of experience across the public and private sectors, she unpacks the global investment landscape – what’s working, what’s broken and what needs to change. Join us to discuss how smarter, fairer investment can help build a sustainable future for all. To explore the topic further, see UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2025: International investment in the digital economy.

As the race for critical minerals heats up, deep sea mining is being hailed by some as a path to a greener future – and condemned by others as a major threat to marine life. In this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) legal officer David Vivas explores the legal, environmental and economic sides of this controversial topic. From marine jurisdictions to the seabed's untapped riches, he shares expert insight into why we may not be ready for this new frontier. Is this truly the key to clean energy, or just another environmental risk? Listen now.

Hemp is an environmentally friendly and versatile plant used in various industries, from textiles and ropes to medicine and construction. Yet, this wonder plant has not reached its full potential, partly because it belongs to the cannabis family. While industrial hemp is not an intoxicating plant, perceptions that hemp is a drug have kept it controversial in many countries. In the latest episode of The Weekly Tradecast, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) economist Marco Fugazza explores how hemp can support sustainable growth in developing countries and contribute to a greener future. Tune in for insights into how hemp could help shape a greener and more sustainable future for global trade.

It’s more than just a metal. It’s in our phones, our homes, our cars – quietly powering our daily lives. As demand increases for clean technologies, like solar panels and electric vehicles, copper is increasingly in the spotlight. But what are the costs and consequences of mining it – and who really benefits? Can we meet these demands without repeating past mistakes? In this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, we speak with Professor Daniel Franks, Director of the Global Centre for Mineral Security at the University of Queensland. Listen now to learn about the global race for critical minerals, the environmental and social costs of extraction, and the urgent need for inclusive reforms in how we power our future.

Antibiotics save lives. But when the supplies run low or bacteria become resistant, the risks grow — especially in developing countries. On this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) economist Bruno Casella explores the challenges of securing essential antibiotics, the impact of limited local production, and how better investment and coordination can strengthen supply chains. Join us to discuss UNCTAD’s findings on antibiotic shortages in East Africa and the urgent need for action.

In this episode of The Weekly Tradecast, Luz María de la Mora, Director of UNCTAD’s Trade Division, looks into the complex realities behind today’s trade debates. In a world shaped by disruption – from climate change and geopolitical tensions to digital transformations – the global trading system is at a crossroads. Free trade, once seen as a force for prosperity and integration, is now under scrutiny. But is trade the culprit or a catalyst for solutions? Drawing from decades of experience in international negotiations, she explores how trade can remain a force for good – one that fuels inclusive growth, empowers small businesses, supports the green and digital transitions, and offers hope to communities worldwide. Listen now to discover why, even in turbulent times, trade still holds the potential to drive sustainable development – if we get it right.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at tariffs with Emily Blanchard, a former Chief Economist at the U.S. State Department. Not long ago, we were deep in a cost-of-living crisis. Inflation has now eased a bit but geopolitics remain tense and the global economy is still struggling to recover. But rather than moving towards more open trade, many countries are becoming more protectionist. Adding to the unease, countries are threatening to slap huge tariffs on major trading partners. In the current climate, there are fears that escalating tariffs could lead to trade wars - a scenario with grim prospects for many developing countries. For more on the ins and outs of tariffs, tune in to Emily Blanchard from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the global trade in food and why developing countries must move up the value chain to help drive the sustainability of what we eat with Jennifer Clapp, Canada Research Chair in Global Food Security and Sustainability. Crises, conflicts and climate change are all affecting how and where our food is grown, processed and shipped. At the same time, the global food system is dominated by a few huge companies that shape policies, trade and development. Listen in to Jennifer Clapp, Professor at the University of Waterloo, to see how the Global South can play a bigger role in supply chains and a sustainable food future.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at Africa’s economies and ways to boost trade, reduce risk and unlock the continent’s potential with Mona Farid Mohmed Badran from Cairo University and also UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) chief of the Africa section, Habiba Barka. From economic turbulence to the impact of climate change, UN Trade and Development’s latest report on Africa says much of the continent struggles to get ahead due to repeated exposure to external shocks. Its economies are particularly vulnerable because they rely heavily on commodity exports, carry high levels of debt and have limited technology infrastructure. According to the new Economic Development in Africa report, key steps forward include wider diversification of economies, greater regional trade and more robust rules across the continent of 1.4 billion people. For more on the report and its recommendations, tune in to Mona Farid Mohmed Badran and Habiba Barka.

The Weekly Tradecast looks at the trends in South-South trade – along with some challenges on the horizon – with Giselle Datz, an expert in the global political economy at Virginia Tech. Throughout modern history, wealthy nations in the north have been consuming food, minerals and other goods from developing countries most often found in what’s called the Global South. But in recent years, the patterns of market power have been shifting within Asia, Latin America and Africa – with profound implications for the global economy and development. The latest UN Trade and Development report says that South-South trade has more than doubled since 2007. In 2023, that trade within the Global South was worth $5.6 trillion. But against this backdrop Donald Trump, the new US president, takes office with talk of tariffs and protectionism. For more on what lies ahead for the Global South and where the risks are, tune in to Giselle Datz, Associate Professor in the Government and International Affairs Program at Virginia Tech.