Power, Value, and Nature: An Interview with Juan Pablo Romero

“Nature gives us everything for free. And that’s the tragedy—because it’s free, we overconsume it, and we pollute it.” - Juan Pablo Romero, Host of Poder Ambiental

David Meyers (DM): Juan Pablo, it’s a pleasure to be here with you. To start, can you tell us a little about yourself and Poder Ambiental?

Juan Pablo Romero Rodríguez (JPRR): Thank you, David. My name is Juan Pablo Romero. I’m the founder of Poder Ambiental, an initiative that aims to talk better and more about the environment. I believe society is built through conversations, and if we want to transform our relationship with nature, we need to communicate clearly and often.

DM: Let’s begin with the economic system. How do you think it currently reflects—or fails to reflect—the importance of the environment?

JPRR: I see value as something important. But in our system, money has become the definition of value. Prices signal importance—if something is expensive, it’s considered important; if it’s free, it’s ignored. And nature gives us everything for free. That’s the tragedy. Because it’s free, we overconsume it, and we pollute it. The economic system sends the wrong signals, and that’s at the core of the environmental crisis.

DM: That’s powerful. Some argue that tools like natural capital accounting are helping, but you’ve been critical of how much they’ve actually shifted things. Why?

JPRR: National accounts are political decisions. Countries measure what they think is important. The fact that natural capital is still marginal in these accounts shows where society places its priorities. We don’t have enough information—or the political will—to measure nature in the same way we measure jobs or GDP. That choice itself is a reflection of how little we value nature.

DM: And yet, changing prices or taxing harmful activities often creates backlash. How do you see that political complexity?

JPRR: This is the painful part. If we want to disincentivize something harmful, we tax it. That raises costs, and people resist because they’re already struggling. We saw this in Germany with protests over fuel price increases. It’s necessary, but politically it’s like shooting yourself in the foot. That’s why transformation demands both political courage and a lot of communication. People need to understand why it’s happening.

DM: You’ve spoken about the role of power structures like the insurance industry. Why do you see them as key?

JPRR: Insurance companies understand climate risks better than almost anyone. Look at Florida—some insurers have pulled out because climate-related damages are too expensive. That’s a powerful signal. Insurers have money and influence, and they can become important allies in shifting the market away from fossil fuels. They can stand up to Big Oil in ways governments sometimes can’t.

DM: What about governments? What’s their role in managing these transitions?

JPRR: Public goods—like clean air, forests, water—can’t be managed by markets alone. They require government stewardship. But the process is politically complex. My biggest fear is when environmental policy gets tied to one ideology. For example, in Colombia, we now have our first left-wing president who is advancing environmental policies. But if the right rejects them simply because they’re “from the left,” we all lose. The environment can’t be partisan. It’s the foundation of society.

DM: That’s a crucial point. Given the challenges, where do you see hope?

JPRR: I see hope in new financial tools. Biodiversity credits, if managed better than carbon markets, could transform the system—especially in the Global South. Debt-for-nature swaps are another big opportunity. And I’m encouraged by funds like the Cali Fund, which allow private companies to channel money directly into conservation without political bottlenecks.

I’m also inspired by young people. They don’t see a future without change, and they’re bringing urgency and creativity to the movement. That gives me a lot of hope.

DM: And looking ahead—what do you expect in 2025?

JPRR: I think 2025 will be politically intense, but also full of opportunity. We’ll see new results on debt discussions in March. We’ll see biodiversity credits evolving quickly. And we’ll see how global politics, including leadership changes, shape the conversation. For me, the key will be communication—demystifying the environment, having more open conversations, and keeping hope alive.

DM: Beautifully put. Where can people follow your work?

JPRR: You can follow me on Instagram at @poder.ambiental. That’s where I share updates and conversations. And of course, please keep listening to Poder Ambiental and 4Nature Podcast!