Description
Book SynopsisIn this innovative book, Clement Tisdell adopts a holistic approach, combining economic, social, biophysical and historical considerations to analyse the economic origins of major contemporary environmental problems, especially those associated with climate change. The ability of humankind to respond effectively to these problems is assessed in a unique and lucid fashion. The depth and nature of social embedding is identified as the major (but not the only) barrier to dealing with human-induced environmental change.
In a thought-provoking manner, the book provides discussions of: the relationships between the nature of economic development, social and environmental change; the limited policy guidance provided by debates about the desirability of sustainable development; the shortcomings of economic criteria for valuing environmental and social change; and social embedding as the prime impediment to humanity responding adequately to many of its current environmental problems.
Given its interdisciplinary nature, this book will appeal to economists, sociologists, geographers, social historians and political scientists alike. Natural scientists who are interested in socio-economic aspects of environmental change will also find this a captivating read.
Trade Review‘The work is well illustrated and very informative. It would be an appropriate text for upper division and graduate courses considering economics, public policy, and the environment. It would be a welcome addition to the library of scholars working in this field and -- would be an appropriate acquisition for most college and university libraries.’– Michael L. Hirsch, International Social Science Review
'Why is it so difficult to protect the environment? This book reflects on the historical, physical and social complexity of the task from the point of view of an economist while remaining accessible to a non-specialist. The depth and breadth of the author's knowledge has enriched every chapter of this book. The novel views especially on the historical origins of environmental issues and social embeddedness and consumer sovereignty treat the reader to refreshing perspectives beyond those of normal economics.' --Tooraj Jamasb, Durham University, UK
Table of ContentsContents Preface 1. Economics and environmental change: an overview 2. Growing economic activity and environmental change: historical and general perspectives. 3. Sustainable (economic) development. What is it? Is it desirable? Can it be achieved and if so, how? 4. Values, economic valuation, and the assessment of environmental and economic change. 5. Social embedding: its nature and role in determining our economic and environmental future. 6. Consumers’ sovereignty – significant failures: why consumers’ demands for environmental, human and animal protection are often unmet. 7. Biological conservation and human-induced environmental change: contemporary socio-economic challenges 8. Climate change: general aspects, and alterations in energy sources and use as responses 9. Agriculture and environmental change, especially climate change: economic challenges. 10. Marine ecosystems and global climate change: economic consequences, resilience and adjustment Index
