Background for The Economic Analysis of Environmental Pollution

Abstract

Relevant and useful work on economic aspects of environmental problems requires some knowledge of the scientific and technological aspects of these problems. This article provides a summary of the latter. Global effects of environmental pollution, like effects on climate and large ecological systems, are reviewed first. Then, smaller-scale but severe “regional” problems are addressed. These include air and water pollution and solid wastes disposal. Sources and type of pollutants are identified, their effects on nature and human receptors are discussed, and available control technologies are reviewed. Finally, a more coherent view of the whole set of problems is provided by means of a “materials balance” approach.

I wish to thank my colleagues Blair Bower, Clifford Russell, and Walter Spofford for assistance in the preparation of this paper.