Natural Capital and Human Economic Survival (Ecological Economics) - Hardcover

Prugh, Thomas; Daly, Herman; Goodland, Robert; Cumberland, John H; Norgaard, Richard B

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1566703980 ISBN 13: 9781566703987

Publisher: CRC Press, 1999

Synopsis

The concept of natural capital, when it is intelligently linked to the concepts of human and manufactured capital, provides the critical nexus between the satisfaction of human needs and the preservation - some might even suggest the restoration - of our living systems. Natural Capital and Human Economic Survival explains what natural capital is and does, and how it is threatened. It also proposes some revenue-neutral policy options that could restructure the economic system to encourage investment in natural capital. Such policies would work, in part, by properly valuing natural capital resources and services. By helping to "get the prices right" within the context of sustainable ecosystems and a fair distribution of resurces, they would promote true economic efficiency, equity and sustainability. This book is part of the Ecological Economics series initiated by the International Society of Ecological Economics.

About this title

Review:

"In this second edition, excellent insights into the fields of ecological and environmental economics are providedvery readable and understandable publicationrecommended for all readers, the general public and up, with an interest in the environment." -B.J. Peterson in Choice, December 1999 "Sustainability is a widely accepted ideal for investigating and managing natural resources, but disciplined efforts to make its core principles operational are rare. This book is exceptional in developing a common, analytic framework and language for investigating how human institutions interact with ecological systems." Sarah Michaels, School of Planning, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Synopsis:

Most people love nature and consider themselves environmentalists, but nature isn't just pretty and lovable, it is indispensable to our survival and economic activity. That is the most compelling reason for environmental protection. The conventional economic wisdom views land (natural capital) as a small part of the economy, along with capital, labor, technology and so on. The authors argue that this is backwards: that the economy nests within the environment (land) and not the other way around.The authors give a brief history of the origins of conventional economic wisdom and critique it from a the standpoint of ecological economics. They explain what natural capital -our life support system - is and does, and describe the severe strains that have been put on it. They conclude with some policy options, such as green taxes and suggestions for personal action that would conserve natural capital and thus make conserve resources for present and future generations.

"Natural Capital and Human Economic Survival" is written for environmentalists, environmental studies majors and anyone concerned about the flaws of mainstream economics - how it has led us into unsustainable ways of living - and who would like to learn about alternatives that are more sustainable.

About this edition

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 1566703980
• ISBN 13: 9781566703987
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 204