Economics and Environment

Essays on Ecological Economics and Sustainable Development

The late David Pearce, formerly Emeritus Professor of Economics, University College London, UK

This book presents a selection of his recent essays, some of which are published here for the first time.

The book begins with an introduction which gives an insight into the development of David Pearce’s career in environmental economics. It is also an accessible guide to the role that environmental economics can play in policy making and a forceful defence of his own position vis-à-vis different schools of thought.

The essays cover four broad themes: ethics and ecological economics, sustainable development, applied environmental economics and global environmental change. Specific subject areas include: environmental valuation, forestry, wildlife conservation, risk assessment, global warming and the role of carbon taxes.

David Pearce writes in a lucid and clear style which will appeal to students and scholars of environmental economics as well as political scientists, environmental managers and policymakers.

‘. . . the book as a whole may attract most attention from academics with an interest in the development of the discipline of economics and its attempts to engage with growing policy concerns over environmental issues.’
– Frank Peck, Geography

‘This is an excellent book which everyone interested in environmental problems will find enlightening. It is not a textbook, but could serve as valuable supplemental reading in environmental economics courses.’
– Raymond F. Mikesell, The Economic Journal

‘David Pearce’s essays . . . deserve careful reading by ecologists, ecological economists, environmental scientists and policymakers.’
– Ian Moffatt, Progress in Environmental Science

‘. . . will have wide appeal, including to scholars and students of environmental economics as well as those concerned with the practice of environmental policy and management. Readers will not always agree with the views expressed by the author but they will be better informed and stimulated as a result of the latest in a long tradition of his thought-provoking books at the cutting edge of environmental economics.’
– Peter Carter, Journal of Energy Literature

‘David Pearce broke entirely new ground with the publication of Blueprint for a Green Economy ten years ago. He is still breaking new ground today. He writes directly and often provocatively on some of today’s most crucial economic and environmental issues. Whether you agree or disagree with those views, you will be both stimulated and better informed.’
– Jonathon Porritt, Forum for the Future