'This text seeks to provide an introduction to issues of land use and the economic tools that are used to resolve land-use conflicts. In particular, tools of economic analysis are used to address allocation of land among alternative uses in such a way that the welfare of society is enhanced. Thus, the focus is on what is best for society and not what is best for an individual, a particular group of individuals, or a particular constituency. What this text seeks to provide is a balanced and just approach to decision-making concerning allocation of land.' -- from the Introduction

Presents models of renewable and non-renewable resources and provides analytical methods to explore contemporary resource problems.

Resource Economics engages students and practitioners in natural resource and environmental issues from both local and global standpoints. The fourth edition of this approachable but rigorous text provides a new focus on risk and uncertainty as well as new applications that address the effect of new energy technologies on scarcity and climate change mitigation and adaptation, while preserving and systematically updating the approach and key features that drew many thousands of readers to the first three editions.

The connection between humans and the earth’s natural resources is a topic of vital interest. Concern once centered on whether there were sufficient supplies of natural resources to accommodate the rising demands of growing economies; a newer concern is whether those growing economies will undermine the linkages between humans and the earth’s critical ecological endowments. It is essential to understand the reciprocity of how human decisions affect resources and how resources affect humans. Natural resource economics is one way of framing and analyzing choices about the conservation and use of natural resources made daily by individuals, communities, and nations. The focus of the text is on natural resource valuation, economic incentives, and the institutional arrangements that will produce desired collective outcomes. The fourth edition of this acclaimed text presents the analytical framework of economics in easy-to-understand descriptions for readers who have not yet been exposed to economics. The first nine chapters offer a lucid introduction to fundamental economic principles and their application to questions about natural resource use. Ten topical chapters address specific natural resources. The final two chapters examine natural resource issues encountered in developing countries and the impacts of globalization on the utilization and conservation of natural resources. Topics new to this edition include: equity issues in natural resources decisions, existence value of wildlife, technological change, natural capital, payment for environmental services, rare earths, food security, and collective property rights.

Harris and Roach present a compact and accessible presentation of the core environmental and resource topics and more, with analytical rigor as well as engaging examples and policy discussions. They take a broad approach to theoretical analysis, using both standard economic and ecological analyses, and developing these both from theoretical and practical points of view. It assumes a background in basic economics, but offers brief review sections on important micro and macroeconomic concepts, as well as appendices with more advanced and technical material. Extensive instructor and student support materials, including PowerPoint slides, data updates, and student exercises are provided.

Public concern over land management has never been greater. This book provides a broad overview of the economics of rural land-use change, drawing attention to the meaningful role economic analysis can play in resolving public concern and supporting futur