Natural Resource Economics: An Introduction

The relationship between humans and the natural world plays a major role in contemporary society. Whether one believes that current natural resource policies threaten our welfare or that the scarcities facing us can be overcome with sufficient effort and ingenuity, it is clear that decisions on resource use will affect the future of people around the globe. Those decisions are best framed and analyzed within the context of natural resource economics. In this successful, well-received volume, Field focuses on resource valuation, economic incentives, and the institutional arrangements that result in desired utilization and conservation decisions. He begins with basic economic principles, laying a foundation for discussion of general natural resource use and then moving on to particular natural resources. The book closes looking at natural resource issues in developing countries. Each chapter ends with a summary, key words, probing questions, and brief lists of Web! sites and additional sources.

"A comprehensive, well written text that has appeal in many undergraduate programs." -- Timothy Considine, Penn State University

"Very readable and informative. It is great to have a book on natural resource economics for noneconomics majors that is not so quantitative. Its extensive coverage of topics makes it easy for an instructor to pick and choose chapters to fit his/her interest." -- Molly Espey, Clemson University

"The design of the book with sections on economic building blocks and natural resource analysis coming before specific application chapters on minerals, energy, water, agriculture, etc. is a good pedagogic tool." -- N. Eric Hampton, St. Cloud State University

"For an introductory text, the book achieves the objective of being written in nontechnical terms. When technical terms are used, they are defined and examples are provided to elucidate their meanings. The book provides a clear connection between natural resource uses and the economy." -- Wesseh Wollo, Lincoln University

"Field presents all of the important topics and issues related to natural resource use, as well as a nice balance of theoretical principles and policy analysis." -- Paul M. Comolli, University of Kansas

"Extremely well done. I am especially impressed by Field's expositions on valuation (chapter 9) and biodiversity (chapter 19) since these are difficult subjects. His discussions are clear, concise, and inclusive of important theoretical/graphical concepts." -- Renatte Adler, San Diego State University