title: Ecology in a cost-benefit society: the issues.
abstract: Is there a role for ecology in a cost-benefit society? As a theme held at Roskilde University in June 2004, this paper summarizes divergent approaches to public policy decision making. Whether based on strict cost-benefit analysis or wide-ranging discussion, we make the point that decisions need to be informed by an understanding of the causes behind environmental problems and their consequences, through impaired ecosystem services, on the economy. Taking this forward will require forums that bring ecologists, economists, and regulators into active and constructive dialogue.
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark. vforbes@ruc.dk
authors.forename: Valery E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Forbes
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Calow
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004463:Ecology / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D017753:Ecosystem