ABSTRACT
The aim of this book has been to examine different facets of the deregulation concept from an environmental perspective - a perspective which is frequently absent in the discussions surrounding the issue. Undoubtedly, deregulation, be it in terms of market liberalisation or regulatory refonn, has important implications for environmental protection. The evidence to date is that there are both costs and benefits. There can be little doubt that the operation of unfettered markets will not provide a sufficient level of environmental protection. Thus, if deregulation and Iiberalisation are taken too far, without accompanying compensatory measures, additional environmental damage can occur. At the same time, a certain amount of economic liberalisation and the use of alternative regulatory instruments can have environmental advantages.
