economics environment common wealth smaller.jpg

about the book

This book has at its heart a simple but powerful premise: that a clean and safe environment is not a commodity to be allocated on the basis of purchasing power, nor a privilege to be allocated through political power, but rather a basic human right. Building upon this premise, James K. Boyce explores the many ways in which economics can be refashioned into an instrument for advancing human well-being and environmental health.

Awarded Choice of Outstanding Academic Title for 2013

Purchase at the following online retailers:

Amazon Barnes&Noble Edward Elgar Publishing


Praise for Economics, the environment and our common wealth

“If you’re interested in the cutting-edge of the very best thinking on economics and the environment, it’s right here.”

– Juliet Schor, author of True Wealth and The Overworked American

“A colleague of mine puts it best: when thinking about the fundamentals of the economy and the environment, there is Pigou, Coase, and Boyce.”

– Eban Goodstein, Director, Bard Center for Environmental Policy


“A foundational volume bridging modern political economy and environmental resource economics.”  

Choice, magazine of the American Library Association