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An Economist's Guide to Environmentalism: A Toolkit for Understanding and Solving Ecological Problems
Explains how economics can be used to solve an array of environmental issues from endangered species to global warming.
Many species are threatened with extinction and landscapes are being destroyed. Water is becoming increasingly scarce, harming ecological systems and human societies. Perhaps the most pressing environmental problem is human-caused climate change. What causes these problems, and what can we do about them?
In An Economist's Guide to Environmentalism, Jordan K. Lofthouse demonstrates how the field of economics can explain the rise of environmental problems and offers a framework to evaluate the vast array of potential solutions. Lofthouse assembles a “toolkit” of easy-to-understand economic concepts and then applies those tools to a variety of environmental problems. These tools include incentives, constraints, trade-offs, unintended consequences, institutional analysis, and more. The examples in this book highlight how environmental issues often stem from poorly defined or poorly enforced property rights.
Lofthouse argues for novel solutions such as assigning property rights to wildlife on the verge of extinction, private approaches to land conservation, and the implementation of water markets. Addressing global-scale problems like climate change requires the innovative and entrepreneurial discoveries of many different people in governments, markets, and civil society. Readers of this book will discover new opportunities and a refreshing, practical approach to protecting the planet through the insights of economics.
Many species are threatened with extinction and landscapes are being destroyed. Water is becoming increasingly scarce, harming ecological systems and human societies. Perhaps the most pressing environmental problem is human-caused climate change. What causes these problems, and what can we do about them?
In An Economist's Guide to Environmentalism, Jordan K. Lofthouse demonstrates how the field of economics can explain the rise of environmental problems and offers a framework to evaluate the vast array of potential solutions. Lofthouse assembles a “toolkit” of easy-to-understand economic concepts and then applies those tools to a variety of environmental problems. These tools include incentives, constraints, trade-offs, unintended consequences, institutional analysis, and more. The examples in this book highlight how environmental issues often stem from poorly defined or poorly enforced property rights.
Lofthouse argues for novel solutions such as assigning property rights to wildlife on the verge of extinction, private approaches to land conservation, and the implementation of water markets. Addressing global-scale problems like climate change requires the innovative and entrepreneurial discoveries of many different people in governments, markets, and civil society. Readers of this book will discover new opportunities and a refreshing, practical approach to protecting the planet through the insights of economics.
248 pages, Hardcover
Published October 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 1, 2025
Book Review: An Economist’s Guide to Environmentalism: A Toolkit for Understanding and Solving Ecological Problems by Jordan K. Lofthouse
Rating: 4.5/5
Jordan K. Lofthouse’s An Economist’s Guide to Environmentalism is a refreshing and pragmatic exploration of how economic principles can address pressing ecological challenges. Unlike traditional environmental texts that often lean heavily on moral appeals or regulatory prescriptions, Lofthouse offers a disciplined, solutions-oriented approach grounded in economics. His “toolkit” framework—spanning incentives, property rights, and institutional analysis—provides readers with actionable insights to tackle issues from species extinction to climate change .
Strengths and Reactions
What struck me most was Lofthouse’s ability to distill complex economic concepts into accessible, real-world applications. His discussion of property rights as a conservation tool (e.g., assigning ownership to endangered species) challenged my assumptions about top-down environmental policies. The chapter on water markets (Chapter 14) was particularly eye-opening, illustrating how market mechanisms could mitigate scarcity more effectively than rigid allocation systems . Lofthouse’s optimism about entrepreneurial solutions to climate change (Chapter 15) also stood out—a welcome contrast to doom-laden narratives.
Emotionally, the book evoked a mix of frustration (at how often economic logic is ignored in environmental debates) and hope (at the untapped potential of market-based solutions). The author’s passion for both economics and nature shines through, bridging a gap often perceived as irreconcilable .
Constructive Criticism
While the book excels in clarity, some sections could delve deeper into political feasibility. For instance, the proposal for wildlife property rights, though theoretically sound, might benefit from case studies demonstrating practical implementation hurdles. Additionally, the role of cultural and ethical dimensions in environmentalism feels underexplored; economics alone cannot account for societal values that shape policy preferences.
Summary Takeaways:
-A masterclass in marrying economic rigor with environmental stewardship—Lofthouse proves markets and nature need not be at odds.
-Finally, an environmental guide that replaces guilt trips with practical tools—a must-read for policymakers and activists alike.
-Lofthouse’s toolkit transforms abstract theory into real-world solutions for species, water, and climate crises.
Final Thoughts
This book is a vital contribution to environmental discourse, offering a roadmap for innovation beyond partisan divides. It’s ideal for economists seeking ecological relevance, environmentalists open to market-based strategies, and anyone weary of ideological stalemates.
Thank you to the publisher, Boomsbury Academic, and Edelweiss for providing a free advance copy. An Economist’s Guide to Environmentalism is a compelling, thought-provoking read that reshapes how we envision sustainability—4.5/5 for its originality, clarity, and actionable vision.
Rating: 4.5/5
Jordan K. Lofthouse’s An Economist’s Guide to Environmentalism is a refreshing and pragmatic exploration of how economic principles can address pressing ecological challenges. Unlike traditional environmental texts that often lean heavily on moral appeals or regulatory prescriptions, Lofthouse offers a disciplined, solutions-oriented approach grounded in economics. His “toolkit” framework—spanning incentives, property rights, and institutional analysis—provides readers with actionable insights to tackle issues from species extinction to climate change .
Strengths and Reactions
What struck me most was Lofthouse’s ability to distill complex economic concepts into accessible, real-world applications. His discussion of property rights as a conservation tool (e.g., assigning ownership to endangered species) challenged my assumptions about top-down environmental policies. The chapter on water markets (Chapter 14) was particularly eye-opening, illustrating how market mechanisms could mitigate scarcity more effectively than rigid allocation systems . Lofthouse’s optimism about entrepreneurial solutions to climate change (Chapter 15) also stood out—a welcome contrast to doom-laden narratives.
Emotionally, the book evoked a mix of frustration (at how often economic logic is ignored in environmental debates) and hope (at the untapped potential of market-based solutions). The author’s passion for both economics and nature shines through, bridging a gap often perceived as irreconcilable .
Constructive Criticism
While the book excels in clarity, some sections could delve deeper into political feasibility. For instance, the proposal for wildlife property rights, though theoretically sound, might benefit from case studies demonstrating practical implementation hurdles. Additionally, the role of cultural and ethical dimensions in environmentalism feels underexplored; economics alone cannot account for societal values that shape policy preferences.
Summary Takeaways:
-A masterclass in marrying economic rigor with environmental stewardship—Lofthouse proves markets and nature need not be at odds.
-Finally, an environmental guide that replaces guilt trips with practical tools—a must-read for policymakers and activists alike.
-Lofthouse’s toolkit transforms abstract theory into real-world solutions for species, water, and climate crises.
Final Thoughts
This book is a vital contribution to environmental discourse, offering a roadmap for innovation beyond partisan divides. It’s ideal for economists seeking ecological relevance, environmentalists open to market-based strategies, and anyone weary of ideological stalemates.
Thank you to the publisher, Boomsbury Academic, and Edelweiss for providing a free advance copy. An Economist’s Guide to Environmentalism is a compelling, thought-provoking read that reshapes how we envision sustainability—4.5/5 for its originality, clarity, and actionable vision.
August 21, 2025
Jordan's book starts a little slow with fundamentals and economic principles until it actually moves to the topic the title suggests. His approach and argument is largely based on the the theory that the markets will eventually regulate environmentalism. I would put the argument he makes on the right side of the political spectrum, though lefties would be well advised to read it. Arguments are sound.
August 9, 2025
Was pleasantly surprised by this one! I liked the beginning refresher on economics and then tying it into environmentalism. In this political climate this read was very timely. Property rights are already a hot topic so using it as a potential solution to certain environmental issues and climate change will be important.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews