Are Europe’s Conservation Policies Actually Working?
Episode Description
ABOUT THE EPISODE Arthur van Benthem, Wharton Professor of Business, Economics and Public Policy, breaks down a key question: Are Europe’s conservation policies actually working? While the European Union is on track to meet ambitious land protection targets, new research suggests these policies may not be delivering meaningful improvements in biodiversity or ecosystem restoration. In this episode, we explore what’s driving that gap and what it means for environmental policy going forward.
ABOUT THE PODCAST This Week in Business features interviews with Wharton faculty about the latest news, fascinating trends, and issues impacting both consumers and the business world. Episodes are recorded at the Wharton School and published twice per week.
----- The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is committed to sharing its intellectual capital through Knowledge at Wharton, the school’s online business analysis journal.
Launched in 1999, Knowledge at Wharton offers free access to:
- Articles, podcasts, and videos highlighting Wharton faculty research and analysis of current business trends - Interviews with book authors from Wharton School Press - In-depth series of curated content like Wharton Executive Education’s Nano Tools for Leaders - A searchable database of more than 10,000 articles covering all aspects of business - A weekly newsletter that delivers Knowledge at Wharton insights directly to your inbox
Visit the Knowledge at Wharton homepage: https://whr.tn/3qUpSBE Subscribe to the Knowledge at Wharton YouTube channel: https://whr.tn/3DEAgAU
Brief Summary
Arthur Van Benthem discusses the EU's land protection policies and their effectiveness in restoring nature.
Key points
- EU's Land Protection Efforts. The European Union aims to protect 30% of its lands by 2030, but is it effective?
- The Importance of Effective Policies. Arthur Van Benthem highlights the need to evaluate the effectiveness of land protection policies.
- Nature Restoration Law. The EU's Nature Restoration Law focuses on improving existing protected areas rather than just quantity.
Ask about Knowledge at Wharton
Episode highlights
- EU's Land Protection EffortsThe European Union aims to protect 30% of its lands by 2030, but is it effective?“Are they as effective as they can be?”0:22Apr 22, 2026
- The Importance of Effective PoliciesArthur Van Benthem highlights the need to evaluate the effectiveness of land protection policies.“Is that 30% having a large effect?”8:25Apr 22, 2026
- Nature Restoration LawThe EU's Nature Restoration Law focuses on improving existing protected areas rather than just quantity.“That might be much more impactful.”8:52Apr 22, 2026
