Environmental Economics and Ecosystem Services provides a rigorous yet accessible introduction to environmental economics, using ecosystem services as the underlying framework. Assuming no prior knowledge of economics, and using a conversational writing style, the focus is on exploring society’s linkages with the environment and how economics can help solve key environmental problems.
Structured in three parts, the book first introduces readers to the key theories in environmental economics and ecosystem services, and then explores the challenges of conservation. The final section examines environmental policy options, such as cap-and-trade, behavioral nudges, community-based natural resource management and carbon taxes. There is a strong international focus throughout the book, with real-life examples taken from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and other regions. Students are supported by a range of pedagogical features, including chapter objectives, chapter summaries, discussion questions and further reading suggestions. In addition, the book offers worked examples, analytical problems and “Challenge Yourself” boxes to develop critical thinking skills. Lecture slides and answers to questions for discussion and practice problems are available for instructors.
This is the ideal text for introductory courses in environmental economics, ecological economics, economics of sustainability, environmental management, environmental policy and ecosystem services.
Section I: Economic Fundamentals, Climate Change and Sustainability 1. Introduction to the Book, Ecosystem Services and the Sustainable Development Goals 2. Climate Science and International Climate Agreements 3. Economic Fundamentals, Ecosystem Services and Value 4. Estimating the Benefits of Environmental Assets and Ecosystem Services 5. Consumption 6. Human Population Growth 7. Sustainable Economic Development Section II: The Challenge of Protecting Natural Resources 8. Why are Environmental Assets so Difficult to Manage? 9. Bad Incentives, Market Failures and Property Rights Problems 10. Collective Action 11. Governments Messing with Prices and Agricultural Subsidies 12. Energy, Energy Subsidies and Economic Planning Gone Wild Section III: Solving Environmental Problems around the World 13. Social Institutions for Better Environmental Collective Action 14. The Economics of Pollution Control 15. Green Pricing: Theory and Practice of Taxes on Measured Pollution 16. Green Pricing: Carbon Taxes, Green Product Taxes and Green Tax Reform 17. Green Markets: Non-Carbon Pollution Trading 18. Green Markets: International Climate Policy and Carbon Markets 19. Recap, Conclusions and Key Gaps
Biography
Randall Bluffstone is an environmental and natural resource economist, Professor of Economics and Director of the Institute for Economics and the Environment at Portland State University.
“Professor Bluffstone has crafted a book full of plain-language explanations of economic concepts and well-chosen examples from around the world. The book’s global orientation is vital given our species’ vast impacts on the planet’s ecosystem services and the importance of understanding how these impacts result from decisions the billions of us make every day in our own local contexts. Students with little prior exposure to economics will especially welcome the book’s emphasis on using economics to develop practical solutions to a wide range of tough environmental problems.”
— Jeffrey R. Vincent, Ph.D. Clarence F. Korstian Professor of Forest Economics & Management, Duke University, USA.
“[This book] is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and instructors interested in an accessible source of information on the economics of conservation, sustainability and climate change. The book contains insights, tools, and policy options to address key issues of our time – especially climate change and pollution. A unique aspect of the book is the inclusion of perspectives from the global south – an important contribution that facilitates a global view of challenging resource and environmental issues. I recommend this volume to those interested in acquiring or enhancing their knowledge of global environmental challenges and learning about economic methods to support policy development.”
— Vic Adamowicz, Distinguished University Professor and Vice Dean, University of Alberta, Canada.
"It is a well-known fact that the world is faced with a series of local and global environmental challenges. To deal with these, we need to apply our best research, more often than not with multiple disciplines involved. Finally, there is an up-to-date textbook that provides the tools of environmental economics to address local and global environmental issues, including an important focus on applications in the Global South, and that is encouraging interdisciplinary approaches. I will actively encourage its use in teaching within the whole global Environment for Development network, and beyond."
— Gunnar Köhlin, Director Environment for Development, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
