The book begins with an introduction which gives an insight into the development of David Pearce's career in environmental economics. It is also an accessible guide to the role that environmental economics can play in policy making and a forceful defence of his own position vis-a-visdifferent schools of thought.

The essays cover four broad themes: ethics and ecological economics, sustainable development, applied environmental economics and global environmental change. Specific subject areas include: environmental valuation, forestry, wildlife conservation, risk assessment, global warming and the role of carbon taxes.

David Pearce writes in a lucid and clear style which will appeal to students and scholars of environmental economics as well as political scientists, environmental managers and policymakers.