| Can We Afford the Future?: The Economics of a Warming World Contributor(s): Ackerman, Frank (Author) |
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ISBN: 1848130376 ISBN-13: 9781848130371 Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC OUR PRICE: $113.85 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: January 2009 Annotation: In this book, Frank Ackerman offers a refreshing look at the economics of climate change, explaining how conventional economic theories get in the way of understanding this urgent problem. The benefits of climate protection are vital but priceless, and often devalued in cost-benefit calculations. Modest preparation for the most predictable outcomes of global warming is less important than secure protection against the growing risk of catastrophic change; massive investment in new, low carbon technologies and industries is life insurance for the planet. Ackerman makes an impassioned plea to construct a better economics, arguing that if we can't afford the future, what are we saving our money for? |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Business & Economics | Environmental Economics |
| Dewey: 333.7 |
| Series: New Economics |
| Physical Information: 0.5" H x 5.2" W x 7.8" (0.55 lbs) 160 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: According to many scientists, climate change is a growing threat to life as we know it, requiring a large-scale, immediate response. According to many economists, climate change is a moderately important problem; the best policy is a slow, gradual start, to avoid spending too much. They can't both be right. In this book, Frank Ackerman offers a refreshing look at the economics of climate change, explaining how the arbitrary assumptions of conventional theories get in the way of understanding this urgent problem. The benefits of climate protection are vital but priceless, and hence often devalued in cost-benefit calculations. Preparation for the most predictable outcomes of global warming is less important than protection against the growing risk of catastrophic change; massive investment in new, low carbon technologies and industries should be thought of as life insurance for the planet. Ackerman makes an impassioned plea to construct a better economics, arguing that the solutions are affordable and the alternative is unthinkable. If we can't afford the future, what are we saving our money for? Can we Afford the Future? is part of The New Economics series, which uses the ideas behind a new, more human economics to provide a fresh way of looking at major contemporary issues. |