Blurts & Spasms

Well, I suppose that depends on what you mean by “credible,” and on which topics. I’ll offer an off-the-cuff take on his credibility in various areas in the list below. Overall, I think Sachs’ opinions are worth considering, if only to appreciate how one end of the ideological spectrum thinks about various issues. However, as you’ll see in this list, I think he can get some things very wrong:

1. Identifying macroeconomic levers that can quickly correct urgent economic problems (inflation, etc.), but without much consideration of secondary impacts: Very credible.
2. Solutions to complex problems (e.g. food production in Africa; climate crisis) that may likewise work, but tend to benefit corporate interests and again disregard other negative externalities: Mixed credibility.
3. Ability to game the “greenwashing” political game and fund his own research and advocate pro-corporate solutions with taxpayer money: Very credible.
4. Record of effectiveness using paternalist, technological fixes for complex problems (e.g. “Millennium Villages” approach to poverty in Africa): Not Credible.
5. Credibility of his positions on international politics and relations (Ukraine, Russia, China, etc.): So Not Credible as Deserving to be Totally Ignored

My 2 cents.