<i>'The coverage is balanced in terms of applied work, theoretical work and political economy. In the chapters devoted to theory, there are useful illustrations of modelling economic actors in the environmental scene. . . . A number of interesting and valuable insights can be obtained from reading the book. . . . In sum, this is a good collection of papers covering both theory and empirical work on environment economics with a strong focus on countries in East Asia. The book can be used by senior undergraduates or graduates taking an environmental economics course. It is highly recommended.'</i>
Global warming, air pollution and water pollution are all addressed by a distinguished group of authors who rigorously apply economics to the analysis of pollution control in societies undergoing rapid industrialization. As this pioneering volume demonstrates, citizens of rapidly developing Taiwan and Korea are willing to pay substantial amounts for the protection and improvement of air and water quality, and face potentially huge losses from global climate change. A number of the papers also point to some cost effective alternatives for helping to reduce global greenhouse gas emission.
As this major book reveals, the make-up of Asian politico-economic systems has a direct impact on environmental policies, from benefit estimation to instrument choice. As the authors argue, policymakers and researchers in the Asia Pacific cannot draw on European and American methods, arguments and conclusions without considerable modification for regional conditions.