June 28, 2020 | Working Paper
  • Headline: Political Economy of the Environment
  • Intro Text: PERI researcher James Boyce discusses how the political economy of the environment aims to deepen our understanding of the interplay among the economy, the environment, and human well-being. In contrast to neoclassical environmental economics, it pays attention not only to the net magnitude of costs and benefits but also to their distribution. In terms of positive analysis, this entails exploring the multiple ways in which the distribution of wealth and power affects environmental outcomes. In the realm of normative analysis, it entails advocating a range of criteria including not only cost effectiveness but also safety, sustainability, and environmental justice.
  • Type of publication: Working Paper
  • Research or In The Media: Research
  • Research Area: Environmental and Energy Economics
  • Publication Date: 2020-06-28
  • Authors:
    • Add Authors: James K. Boyce
  • Show in Front Page Modules: No
Political Economy of the Environment: A Look Back and Ahead

Abstract

The political economy of the environment aims to deepen our understanding of the interplay among the economy, the environment, and human well-being. In contrast to neoclassical environmental economics, it pays attention not only to the net magnitude of costs and benefits but also to their distribution. In the realm of positive analysis – descriptions of how the world works – this means exploring the multiple ways in which the distribution of wealth and power affects environmental outcomes. In the realm of normative analysis – prescriptions for how the world should work – political economists advocate a range of criteria including not only cost effectiveness but also safety, sustainability, and environmental justice.

umass logo

This is an official web page
of the University of Massachusetts.

Political Economy Research Institute

Gordon Hall, 418 N. Pleasant St., Suite A

Amherst, MA 01002
Tel: 413-545-6355 Fax: 413-577-0261
Contact: