The Spirit of Green: The Economics of Collisions and Contagions in a Crowded World

“William Nordhaus, winner of the Nobel Prize for his pathbreaking contributions to the economics of climate change, shows clearly and eloquently that we have the reasons, economic tools, and technologies to achieve a Green Earth. He writes with great wisdom and insight on how we can achieve a ‘well-managed society,’ one that advances the wellbeing of current and future generations. And he demonstrates the power of economic tools, many of which he has designed or honed, to achieve our global green goals.”—Jeffrey D. Sachs, Columbia University, president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

“Brilliantly written, spectacularly clearheaded, and quietly passionate, The Spirit of Green is the best book I have ever read on environmentalism—on its foundations, on what it means, and on what it doesn't mean. If you’re looking for a guide for humanity’s future—and that of our planet’s other species as well—well, this is it.”—Cass R. Sunstein, author of Averting Catastrophe

“The Spirit of Green is an extended essay, combining moral philosophy with conventional economics, on principles for a ‘Green Society.’ While favoring market capitalism, Nordhaus advocates regulations that counter harmful negative externalities. His prose is enlivened by his passion for sustainability and by pithy maxims such as ‘tax bads, not goods.’ ”—Robert O. Keohane, professor emeritus, Princeton University

“The Spirit of Green is all of economics seen through a green lens. Full of pithy and compelling examples, and clear and vivid writing, it is learned and deeply instructive—and even moving. Human evolution has equipped us with a capacity for making a good society embedded in the natural world, but we still must work thoughtfully to achieve a well-managed society, Nordhaus shows. This is especially the case in the last few thousand years as the size of our population, the sophistication of our technology, and our ability to change the natural world around us has grown. Nordhaus is a magnificent, soaring guide to the spirit of green that will be required for this deep and fundamental project so central to all of humanity.”—Nicholas A. Christakis, author of Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society