Pricing the Planet Economic Analysis for Sustainable Development

The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, represented an unparalleled opportunity for scientists, economists, planners, energy specialists, and other professionals from around the world to exchange ideas and information. Bringing together the views discussed at the corresponding International Symposium and Exhibit of Environmental Technologies (ECOTECH)―an official event sponsored by the Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Industry, Commerce, and Science Technology of Brazil―Pricing the Planet addresses our ecological future and explores alternatives to mainstream solutions.

The contributors emphasize the need for alternatives that are both economically viable and ecologically sound, and challenge the conventional assumptions and assertions found in the work of many economists. Most importantly, Pricing the Planet makes clear the crucial role that both national and international policy plays in successfully achieving balance between economic and ecological goals.

Peter H. May is professor of agro-food systems and sustainable development in the Graduate Program in Development, Agriculture, and Society at the Federal Rural University, Rio de Janeiro. He is also the executive director of Pro-Natura, an international environment and development organization. He is the coauthor of The Subsidy from Nature (1991) and editor of Natural Resource Valuation and Policy in Brazil (1999), both published by Columbia.Ronaldo Serôa da Motta is professor of environmental economics at Santa Ursula University, Rio de Janeiro. He is also coordinator of the Center for Environmental Studies at the Institute for Applied Economic Research in the Brazilian Ministry of Planning, Budget, and Management.