Interview with Pedro Arrojo

Pedro Arrojo is a well known economist who has made a significant contribution to water policy in Spain. From his academic base in Zaragoza, he provided the intellectual muscle to overturn the predatory water projects planned for the Ebro River. His work has been recognized internationally -- most notably perhaps as the winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2003. In this interview [listen here] with Joan Barril and Joan Olle on the radio program El Cafe de la Republica, Professor Arrojo discusses the special attention that Spaniards have recently given to water and rivers.

While I had read Arrojo's work, I had not heard him speak. Arrojo's tone is gentle, conciliatory, and understanding. It was a pleasant contrast to many of the more strident voices in the environmental movement. And yet, his gentleness did not compromise his position. Arrojo did an excellent job communicating substantive content without being dogmatic or righteous. This interview shows that Arrojo is a role model not only for this intellectual contribution, but also for his communication skills.