Thinking about the Future: The Complementary Roles of Economists and Environmentalists
Author(s)
Dapice, David
Abstract
The author contrasts here the positions of economists on one hand and environmentalists on the other regarding the question of the future. According to his description, economists are more focused on the short term, how to satisfy existing human wants, assuming that market forces and technology will solve any problems in the physical world. Environmentalists differ in that they are much more cautious regarding the ways in which natural resources should be used, and are more focused on the long-term impacts. Using the example of the Green Revolution, the author also shows that there is room for convergence in the recommendations and conclusions of both groups.
