Journal Name: Review of Environmental Economics and Policy
Journal Type: Q1
ISSN: https://www.scimagojr.com/journalsearch.php?q=11600153422&tip=sid#:~:text=ISSN-,1750681617506824,-COVERAGE
Country: United States
Subject Area and Category: Economics, Econometrics and Finance Economics and Econometrics Environmental Science Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Research Ranking: 58
Publication Type: Journals
H-Index: 75
Coverage: 2008-2024
Editors-in-Chief: Catherine L. Kling
Research Impact Score: 4.5
Impact Factor: 7.8
SCIMAGO SJR: 3.311
APC Cost: £3190.00 GBP
Homepage: https://academic.oup.com/reep
Submission Link: https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/reep/current
Contact Email: http://reep@aere.org/
Address: International Academic Publishing Co., Ltd., Academia Center, 358-5, Yamabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0801, JAPAN
Overview
Environmental Economics and Policy is a highly regarded textbook that serves as a foundational guide to the economic principles and policy approaches that govern environmental issues. Authored by Thomas Tietenberg and Lynne Lewis, the book is now in its frequently updated editions, reflecting the evolving landscape of global environmental challenges, sustainable development, and climate change economics. This review provides an overview of the key themes, structure, and educational value of the text, with a focus on its relevance for students, researchers, and policymakers alike.
A Balanced Approach to Theory and Practice
One of the standout features of Environmental Economics and Policy is its balanced integration of economic theory with real-world environmental policy applications. The authors begin with core economic concepts—such as market failure, externalities, and cost-benefit analysis—and progressively move into applied topics like pollution control, natural resource management, and climate policy. This clear progression makes the book accessible to undergraduate and graduate students while remaining informative for seasoned professionals.
The text is enriched with real-world case studies and examples that illustrate how economic tools are used to address pressing environmental problems. These include emissions trading systems, carbon taxes, renewable energy incentives, and international environmental agreements. The authors also examine the role of government regulation versus market-based solutions, offering a nuanced perspective on policy effectiveness.
Coverage of Contemporary Environmental Issues
A major strength of the book is its timely inclusion of current environmental issues such as global warming, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and energy economics. In particular, the chapters on climate change economics and global environmental policy are especially relevant given the increasing urgency of the climate crisis. These sections explore both the theoretical underpinnings and the practical policy instruments used globally, including the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and various carbon pricing mechanisms.
The book’s structure also allows for in-depth discussion of topics such as sustainable development, environmental justice, and the economic valuation of ecosystem services. These themes are essential in today’s policy-making context and are presented in a manner that encourages critical thinking and ethical consideration.
Educational Tools and Accessibility
Environmental Economics and Policy is designed with students in mind. Each chapter includes review questions, discussion prompts, and key terms that help reinforce learning and stimulate classroom debate. The writing is clear and jargon-free, making complex economic ideas accessible without oversimplifying them.
Supplementary online resources, including instructor guides, problem sets, and interactive content, enhance the textbook’s usability in academic settings. These features make it a popular choice for environmental economics courses across universities worldwide.
About
Environmental Economics and Policy, authored by Thomas Tietenberg and Lynne Lewis, stands as one of the most influential textbooks in the field of environmental economics. Widely adopted in university courses and referenced by policy professionals, this comprehensive book serves as a practical and theoretical guide to addressing environmental issues through economic principles. This article offers a detailed review of Environmental Economics and Policy, focusing on its structure, key themes, and real-world relevance.
What Makes This Book Essential Reading?
At its core, Environmental Economics and Policy provides a thorough introduction to how economic tools and frameworks can be applied to environmental challenges. From market failures and externalities to pollution control and climate change mitigation, the book covers a wide spectrum of environmental concerns.
Unlike many academic texts that are heavy on theory but light on application, this book bridges the gap between abstract economic models and real-world environmental policies. It explores both regulatory (command-and-control) approaches and market-based mechanisms such as carbon pricing, emissions trading systems, and pollution taxes.
Real-World Case Studies and Applications
A major highlight of Environmental Economics and Policy is its use of real-world case studies. The book illustrates economic principles through practical examples such as the Clean Air Act, the success of cap-and-trade programs, and the economic rationale behind renewable energy subsidies. These case studies enhance the reader’s understanding by linking complex economic ideas to actual environmental policy decisions.
The text also delves into global environmental concerns like climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. Chapters dedicated to international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol, give readers a global perspective on environmental economics and its role in shaping international policy.
Designed for Learning and Engagement
This textbook is well-structured for academic use. Each chapter includes learning objectives, review questions, and discussion topics. These features make it especially useful for university-level courses in environmental studies, public policy, and economics.
The writing style is clear and accessible, avoiding unnecessary jargon while still maintaining academic rigor. Whether you're a student new to economics or a policymaker seeking to understand the financial implications of environmental decisions, this book offers valuable insights in a digestible format.
Updated for Modern Environmental Challenges
Now in its latest edition, Environmental Economics and Policy reflects current developments in sustainability and green innovation. It addresses urgent topics such as climate finance, carbon markets, and the economics of clean energy transitions. The authors also incorporate discussions on environmental justice and equity—critical aspects of today's policy conversations
Scope
Environmental Economics and Policy, authored by Thomas Tietenberg and Lynne Lewis, is a comprehensive textbook that offers in-depth coverage of the intersection between environmental issues and economic analysis. Widely used in academic settings and referenced by professionals in environmental planning and public policy, this textbook delivers a broad yet detailed exploration of how economic principles are applied to environmental challenges. In this article, we review the scope of Environmental Economics and Policy and highlight the key areas it addresses, making it an essential resource for students, educators, and practitioners alike.
Broad Theoretical Foundation
At the heart of Environmental Economics and Policy is a solid grounding in fundamental economic concepts. The book starts by introducing basic ideas such as scarcity, efficiency, opportunity cost, and market failure. From there, it expands into more advanced theories related to externalities, public goods, and property rights—core principles that underpin environmental economic thinking.
These foundational theories set the stage for understanding how environmental problems arise from market inefficiencies and how various tools can be used to correct them. The book’s clear explanations make these abstract economic ideas accessible and relevant to environmental contexts.
In-Depth Policy Analysis
A defining feature of this book is its detailed examination of environmental policies. The authors explore a wide range of policy instruments, from traditional command-and-control regulations to innovative market-based mechanisms such as pollution taxes, cap-and-trade systems, and tradable permits.
The policy scope is not limited to domestic issues. The book also covers international environmental agreements and transboundary pollution problems, offering insights into global cooperative efforts like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Climate Agreement. This global perspective is crucial for understanding the interconnected nature of environmental challenges and policy responses.
Key Environmental Issues Addressed
The scope of Environmental Economics and Policy spans numerous environmental issues, including:
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Air and water pollution
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Climate change and global warming
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Natural resource depletion (forests, fisheries, fossil fuels)
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Biodiversity loss and ecosystem services
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Energy economics and renewable energy policy
Each topic is examined through both economic and policy lenses, allowing readers to appreciate the trade-offs, costs, and benefits associated with various policy choices. This approach prepares students to critically evaluate real-world environmental decisions and encourages sustainable thinking.
Sustainability, Equity, and Future Challenges
In recent editions, the scope of the book has expanded to include pressing 21st-century concerns such as sustainable development, intergenerational equity, and environmental justice. These additions reflect the growing recognition that environmental policy must consider long-term impacts and fair treatment of all communities.
By incorporating these broader themes, the book equips readers with a modern understanding of environmental economics—one that extends beyond cost-benefit analysis to include ethical and social considerations.