Introduction

Greater environmental protection at fewer costs – few people would disagree with the idea that environmental policy should be trying to achieve this wideranging goal. How to identify and implement the strategies that can move people toward this goal falls within the purview of environmental economics. Over the last five decades, researchers in environmental economics have discovered and created new methods and tools aimed at protecting people and nature without wasting scarce resources in the process. These economists and policy makers, with the input of researchers in other disciplines like biology, forestry and hydrology, have taken a pragmatic approach to their task, pursuing what works rather than preconceived mindsets.