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"This undergraduate textbook, aimed at students with little or no prior knowledge of economics, explores how the economy intrinsically depends on nature and how markets, institutions, and governance can be used to ensure global sustainability"--
List of contents
Preface; Part I. Introduction and Key Concepts: 1. Economics and the environment; 2. Sustainable economic development; Part II. Economic Tools and Techniques: 3. Demand, supply, and efficient allocation; 4. Market and policy failures; 5. Economic values and valuation methods; 6. Cost benefit analysis; 7. Policy options; Part III. Application to Environmental Sustainability: 8. Land use and agriculture; 9. Water scarcity; 10. Minerals and energy; 11. Oceans and marine resources; 12. Forests and biodiversity; 13. Local and regional pollution; 14. Global pollution; Part IV. Global Sustainability: 15. Towards global sustainability; References; Glossary.
About the author
Edward B. Barbier is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Economics at Colorado State University. A highly cited author and leading global expert on international environmental policy and sustainability, he is also a Fellow of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists.Joanne C. Burgess (Barbier) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Colorado State University. She is an environmental and natural resource economist with special interests in forest land use, wildlife management, trade and environment, and sustainability.
Summary
Written for undergraduate students with little or no exposure to economics, this introductory textbook offers a new perspective on environmental economics for the 21st century. It explains how economics for a sustainable world requires a new approach: accepting that the economy is intrinsically dependent on nature. Drawing on up-to-date case studies from around the globe, the book examines how economic concepts and techniques can apply to a wide range of environmental challenges while ensuring that poor and vulnerable members of society are included in progress toward sustainable development. The book also addresses current environmental policy options and innovations at the local, regional, and international levels. Chapters cover key topics such as climate change, pollution, energy, minerals, forests, land use, oceans, biodiversity, and water scarcity. Included in the book are the following pedagogical features: learning objectives, boxed examples, discussion questions, lists of further resources, and a glossary.
