Environmental Economics: An Elementary Introduction

by David W. Pearce, Ian Bateman, Kerry R. Turner, et al.

Book Overview

The subject of environment economics has become an important focus of debate around the world with experts as well as ordinary citizens concluding that the environment and the economy can no longer be viewed as separate entities. As a result, contemporary environmental issues are increasingly seem from the point of view of their economics effects and their consequences for human well-being now and in the future.

Environmental Economics...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801848636
• ISBN13: 9780801848636
• Release Date: December 1993
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.7" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Not a typical cryptic economics textbook

I bought this book when I was doing my Master's in Economics. Back then it helped me learn a great deal about environmental economics on my own (without a teacher). It is written in accessible language (not your typical cryptic economics text book), full of examples and honest in the way it presents the information -form this point of view the problem is this way, from that point of view the problem is this other way. I now also hold a Master's in Environmental Studies and a PhD in Geography specializing in Energy and Transportation issues. For the past few years I have returned to it again and again for reference. While the edition is old (1993), it is still a great basic introduction and has good references for where to go next if you are looking for more depth or a more advanced treatment of the subject.

Propably the best introducory textbook on the market

Of the four textbooks on the subject I've been through, this one scores the best credit. Within ecological economics there are two schools of thought. One is basically environmentalist in the sense that views the causes of environmental degradation, as being the economic system AS SUCH. Herman Daly is propably the most wellknown representant of this school. The other school deals with environmental problems as being a 'problem of getting the prices right'. This book is mostly concerned with the latter approach. Several aspects of this book ranks it above average. These are: 1) Although the book primarily deals with the market-approach, it actually covers all aspects of environmentalism, ranging from standard economics to deep ecology, treating each of the in a sober manner, 2) the book is very goos at pinpointing the problematic aspects of different theories, 3) The conclusions are supported by empirical evidence, presented in a readable and realevant manner 4) it really covers the breadth of the field, leaving you with a great overview of the topics you can specialize in, 5) it avoids some of the most common misunderstandings of the field, e.g. by specificly stating the difference between non-property resources and common property resources. All In all: It is a very recommendable book for those who are about to be introduced to the field of ecological economics.