Valuing Nature: Beyond Monetary Terms

The chapter delves into the complexities of assigning monetary value to nature, exploring non-use values and stated preferences in determining the worth of preserving species and ecosystems. It highlights the role of environmental economists in shaping policies by quantifying the value of nature but also raises concerns about how wealth and societal dynamics can influence these estimations, urging a reevaluation of traditional economic assessments to consider the deeper significance of natural spaces beyond financial terms.