Abstract

The natural environment is under more pressure today than ever before as the atmosphere, oceans and land is transformed by economic processes. Functional benefits like climate stability, water purification, soil formation as well as less tangible benefits to health and happiness are not priced in to the markets, so monetary wealth rises but we may be poorer for it. How is this dilemma to be resolved in a century of rising population and consumption? What can be priced and how? Will the markets force us to pay the full price of products or override other barriers to environmental degradation and let big corporations have their way?

Information about speakers: Professor Samuel Fankhauser Economist Co-director Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, LSE and Chief Economist of Globe, international legislators’ organisation

Professor Alan Holland Philosopher Emeritus Professor of Applied Philosophy, University of Lancaster Founding editor of the journal “Environmental Values”

Professor Molly Scott-Cato Economist and activist Professor of Strategy and Sustainability University of Roehampton and Economic Spokesperson for the Green Party

Professor Sir Robert Watson Scientist and policy advisor Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Chair of Environmental Sciences University of East Anglia