Prakash Mishra's early life pointed toward the stars: he got a telescope as a young child and, for about ten years, astronomy defined his interests. He assumed he would eventually study physics or astrophysics. Instead, he became an economist, and a recent Q&A examines how he now approaches a very earthly problem—reconciling environmental protection with economic growth.
The interview highlights the inherent tension in policy design: measures that safeguard nature can be seen as constraints on development, while growth-focused strategies often carry environmental costs. Mishra's path from planetary observation to economic analysis offers a reminder that scientific curiosity can lead in unexpected directions, and that environmental questions are also economic ones.
Because this article draws on a single source, there are no contrasting viewpoints to compare. The Q&A presents one economist's perspective on a debate that remains central to climate and development policy.