Review: Thomas Sterner (2003): Policy instruments for environmental and natural resource management

摘要: Summary RFF Press, Washington D. C. ISBN 1-891853-12-0 As research in environmental policy has accumulated, and the number of applications instruments for natural resource management grown, so arsenal different available maker. This development continued up to a point where it now becomes difficult individual researcher or maker survey this vast field. With mind, there are many that have reason be grateful Thomas Sterner's effort his new book, Policy Instruments Environmental Natural Resource Management . book not only details economic principles behind policy, but also presents wide range examples practical design areas such as road transportation, industrial pollution resources ecosystems. In preface Sterner states is intended academicians, like university professors, graduate undergraduate students, well analysts who advice makers. particular, turns towards people these categories countries date made extensive use market-based instruments. Presumably, includes developing world former planned economies. The non-technical sense small amount mathematical formulas presented deter reader with less solid background maths. divided into seven sections. first part (entitled: Need Policy) causes degradation introduces important concepts economics, externalities public goods. section gives an outline bioeconomics evolution rights. material similar other textbooks, should known economist. Part 2 (Review Instruments) most tools economists tool box, including direct regulation, taxes, tradeable permits, subsidies property rights related accessible, manner. 3 (Selection concentrates on how choose between instruments, taking account aspects efficiency, uncertainty, equilibrium effects, cost distribution, etc. particularly useful information neatly summarized “Policy Selection Matrix” Chapter 18. Parts 4, 5 6 really unique interesting academic audience. sections author analyses wealth 4 (Policy Road Transportation) describes experience pricing, fuel taxation vehicle standards. Industrial Pollution) attention turned “classic” area policy. from both developed numerous. Policies focus Resources Ecosystems), which deals water, waste, fisheries, agriculture, forestry Readers JFE perhaps interested chapter (Chapter 30), I would argue rather short, although cannot regarded major shortcoming whole. However, deeper interest forest might want complement by Boyd & Hyde (1989). What then can said about usefulness its audiences? Well, at least one audiences, makers, simply indispensable. It very reference text researchers specialize suggest textbook partly because sheer size diverts need undergraduates basic principles. It's better suited supplement more technical volume, Baumol Oates. Overall, my impression main field application particular For economist feels somewhat appetizer, good opportunity learn applied could applicable problems. Put simply, source inspiration. Goran Bostedt Deptartment Forest Economics Swedish University Agricultural Sciences Umea