Rapid economic development has been a boon to human well-being. It has lifted millions out of poverty, raised standards of living, and increased life expectancies. But economic development comes at a significant cost to natural capital鈥攖he fertile soils, forests, coastal marshes, farmland鈥攖hat support all life on earth, including our own. The dilemma of our times is to figure out how to improve the human condition without destroying nature鈥檚. If ecosystems collapse, so eventually will human civilization. One answer is inclusive green growth鈥攖he efficient use of natural resources. Inclusive green growth minimizes pollution and strengthens communities against natural disasters while reducing poverty through improved access to health, education, and services. Its genius lies in working with nature rather than against it.
Green Growth That Works is the first practical guide to bring together pragmatic finance and policy tools that can make investment in natural capital both attractive and commonplace. The authors present six mechanisms that demonstrate a range of approaches used around the globe to conserve and restore earth鈥檚 myriad ecosystems, including:
- Government subsidies
- Regulatory-driven mitigation
- Voluntary conservation
- Water funds
- Market-based transactions
- Bilateral and multilateral payments
Through a series of real-world case studies, the book addresses questions such as: How can we channel economic incentives to make conservation and restoration desirable? What approaches have worked best? How can governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals work together successfully?
Pioneered by leading scholars from the Natural Capital Project, this valuable compendium of proven techniques can guide agencies and organizations eager to make green growth work anywhere in the world.
"Impressively informative, exceptional in organization and presentation, Green Growth That Works: Natural Capital Policy and Finance Mechanisms Around the World is an extraordinary addition to both community and academic library Contemporary Business & Economics collections in general, and Environmental Economics supplemental studies reading lists in particular."鈥�Midwest Book Review
"The book is a practical guide designed to show '…how policies and finance mechanisms have been implemented in the real world, across a diversity of contexts, in order to help secure and enhance natural capital and ecosystem service benefits on the pathway toward inclusive green growth'"鈥�Electronic Green Journal
"Green Growth that Works is an excellent sourcebook of ideas and demonstrates that the acquisition of natural capital through inclusive and life-enhancing strategies is no longer theory but a real possibility. The writing is accessible, and reference lists at the end of each chapter can further guide readers who are unfamiliar with the philosophy and science of ecosystem assessment. This book should be added to the toolkit of anyone directly involved in natural resources policy."鈥�Plant Science Bulletin
"This book helps to shift the narrative on biodiversity conservation from a purely environmental focus to a perspective that links conservation, inclusive green growth, and sustainable development. It shows the importance of setting targets that are clear, simple, and relevant to stakeholders from government, finance, and local communities."鈥擫uis Alberto Moreno, President, Inter-American Development Bank
"Green Growth That Works portrays visionary projects from around the world that demonstrate powerful outcomes of communities, governments, and financial institutions working with nature to develop infrastructure thoughtfully through pioneering plans, policies, and investments."鈥擩ane Lubchenco, Distinguished University Professor, Oregon State University; former Administrator, NOAA
"This book's practical exploration of 'inclusive green growth' refutes the notion that a rising GDP is environmentally harmless. Communities and people everywhere are hungry for solutions that fuse economic, social, and environmental goals, and this book superbly fills that need."鈥擩ames Gustave Speth, former Administrator, UN Development Programme
