Conservative Environmentalism: Reassessing the Means, Redefining the Ends FROM THE PUBLISHER
Dunn and Kinney argue that the environmental movement as it now operates is counterproductive; solutions can be found only through rational, non-political efforts based on reality, not ideological propaganda. The authors show what the facts are and how they have been distorted to benefit what are often misguided, self-serving political agendas. For anyone uncertain of the facts and baffled by conflicting viewpoints, Conservative Environmentalism will come as fresh air, bringing hope and encouragement that solutions are possible. To solve the problems they see, the Left uses regulations that severely impede technology and efficient productivity - the very things that improve environmental conditions. Rather than supporting the regulation of industrial productivity, Dunn and Kinney argue for its expansion. The authors compare "downside" and "upside" effects of environmental actions in both First World and Third World countries and examine the negative effects that U.S. EPA and USAID edits and proscriptions have on development and the environment.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Focusing on the economics of environmental issues, the authors of these books emphasize the need for developing nations to become wealthier. In his sequel to In Defense of Economic Growth (1974), Beckerman considers such issues as finite resources, biodiversity, global warming, and sustainable development in light of global economics. Rather than a single conflict concerning economic growth vs. the environment, he concludes that there are three conflicts: differing claims on an abundance of resources, the interests of different countries, and conflicting interests of different generations. The author's presentation of his case varies from strong, well reasoned, and easy to follow to sarcastic and trivial. Although he has some important points to make, his tone may at times alienate many readers. Dunn and Kinney's presentation is more balanced, with a generally alternative and more optimistic view, albeit one where the environment is completely under human control. The authors contrast the "liability culture" of environmentalists with the "asset culture" of economists, including themselves, in current approaches to environmental problems. The book opens by laying out current environmental "assets," then examines wealth and resources, and concludes with a section detailing their views on reaching a better environment. Given the wide range of areas, the necessarily brief presentations of the current "assets" are, in some cases, overly simplistic. The information presented is clearly documented, however, and the main points of each section are neatly summarized. For academic collections.Jeanne Davidson, Oregon State Univ. Lib., Corvallis
Booknews
Argues that the environmental movement as it now operates is
counterproductive; solutions can be found only through rational, non-
political efforts based on reality, not ideological propaganda.
Rather than supporting the regulation of industrial productivity,
Dunn and Kinney argue for its expansion. They compare "downside" and
"upside" effects of environmental actions in both First World and
Third World countries and examine the negative effects that US EPA
and USAID edits and proscriptions have on development and the
environment.
Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
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