In this Very Sho r t Introduction, Stephen Smith shows how the field of environmental economics looks at how economic activity a nd policy can affect the environment in which we live. The book discusses environmental issues including pollution control, reducing environmental damage, global climate change policies, questions about how we should balance environmental a nd economic considerations, a nd what fo r m government policies should take. In recent years, Smith reveals, many economists have argued fo r greater use of incentives such as pollution charges a nd emissions trading rather than mo r e traditional direct regulation of polluters. Including many illustrative case studies, this book offers an illuminating introduction to an exciting field of economics.

About the Series: Combining autho r ity with wit, accessibility, a nd style, Very Sho r t Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts fo r the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contempo r ary thinking about the central problems a nd issues in hundreds of key topics, fr om philosophy to Freud, quantum theo r y to Islam.