Daniel W. Bromley Knihy

This book systematically deconstructs the pervasive and counter-productive discourse surrounding environmental policy. The authors argue that environmental policy problems are always framed such that conflict is inevitable—a particular project or policy must be accepted versus a specific environmental asset that must be protected. Over the course of 12 chapters, the authors demonstrate that confident yet contradictory assertions by contending interests preclude necessary deliberation and reason giving. They argue that deliberation is an important social process of reflecting upon the reasons for doing something. Their innovative approach allows discourse and collaboration to continue, until—after honest and informed deliberation—the better way forward is arrived at. This approach to environmental policy illustrates just how very constructive and enabling the quest for the reasonable can be.

Based on 30 specially commissioned pieces by leading authorities in the field from the US and Europe, The Handbook of Environmental Economics represents the most comprehensive volume of environmental and natural resource economics published to date. It covers the full range of issues presently at the forefront of environmental policy including key aspects of such critical areas as pollution, sustainability and global environmental policy. It is essential reading for students, researchers and faculty as well as to policy makers and those with a wider interest in the issues.