Environmental Economics

Environmental economics is a branch of economics which deals with the inter-relationships between environment and development. Economic activities of human beings have a profound impact on natural environment. Hence, use/abuse of natural resources has raised many moral, legal, and practical questions for present and future generations. Presently, many governments require cost-benefit analysis of policy options with regard to changes in environmental legislations by resetting environmental standards and introducing new policy instruments for environmental protection. Environmental economics has also made significant contributions to valuation techniques and design of new policy instruments for pollution control and management. This book provides a comprehensive description of current environmental problems facing the world and their solutions through economic institutions, economic incentives, and other instruments and policies. In other words, the book focuses on international environmental problems and how economic principles can be applied to solve them. The book contains 22 chapters which have been organized into 6 theme parts.