Economics of Climate Change and Environmental Policy

Citation

(2013), "Economics of Climate Change and Environmental Policy", International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, Vol. 5 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijccsm.2013.41405baa.009

Economics of Climate Change and Environmental Policy

Article Type: Books and resources From: International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, Volume 5, Issue 2

Selected papers of Robert N. Stavins, 2000-2011Edward Elgar Publishing LtdCheltenham2013516 pp.£112.50ISBN 9780857937377

This book is divided into seven parts: overview; methods of environmental policy analysis; economic analysis of environmental policy instruments; economics and technical change; natural resource economics – land and water; domestic climate change policy; and international climate change policy. The book begins with an introductory essay in which Stavins reflects on the professional path that led to his research and writing and identifies common themes that emerge from this period of research.

Students, scholars, practitioners and policymakers may find this volume a valuable and very useful addition to their collection.

UK report: ecosystem services from environmental stewardship that benefit agricultural production

This report contains a review of the ecosystem services provided by Environmental Stewardship (ES), the main agri-environmental scheme in England. It is particularly concerned with those that are of benefit to agricultural (especially crop) production, thus supporting the Defra departmental priority of supporting British farming and encouraging sustainable food production.

Ecosystem services can be described as the full range of benefits that people and societies obtain from biological systems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting services.

The report identifies ecosystem services associated with crop production benefits that can be provided by ES, describes the relationships between ES options and ecosystem services, scores options for their contribution to key ecosystem services and maps the provision of these services through ES across England.

Key ecosystem services considered include soil formation, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, water regulation and purification, genetic resources, pest regulation and pollination.

Environmental Stewardship has the potential to enhance a range of ecosystem services of benefit to agricultural production, though relatively few options have been designed specifically with this purpose in mind. Exceptions are options to reduce soil erosion, nectar mixtures targeted at the enhancement of pollination services, and beetle banks (specifically designed to benefit natural enemies of pests and so enhance pest regulation). Many other options also contribute to these services, with multifunctionality frequently exhibited. The document can be seen at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/2322452