By: B.Delworth Gardner (Editor), Randy T. Simmons (Editor)

Paperback

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ÿÿÿÿ Water is becoming increasingly scarce. If recent usage trends continue, shortages are inevitable. Aquanomics discusses some of the instruments and policies that may be implemented to postpone, or even avoid, the onset of "water crises." These policies include establishing secure andtransferable private water rights and extending these rights to uses that traditionally have not been allowed, includingaltering in-stream flows and ecosystem functions. The editors argue that such policies will help maximie water quantity and quality as water becomes scarcer and more valuable. Aquanomics contains many examples of how this is being accomplished, particularly in the formation of water markets and market-like exchanges of water rights.

ÿÿÿÿ Many observers see calamity ahead unless water supplies are harnessed and effectively conserved, and unless water quality can be improved. It is also clear that declining water quality is a serious problem in much of the world, as increasing human activities induce high levels of water degradation. Those who voice these concerns, argue the contributors to this volume, fail to consider the forces for improvement inherent in market political-economic systems that can address water issues. The contributors see water quality in economically advanced countries as improving, and they believe this establishes the validity of market-based approaches.

"Aquanomics: Water Markets and the Environment provides college-level readers with a fine survey of world water management, trends, and the social, economic and political issues affecting them. Many collections address the topic of declining water resources around the world: this volume argues for the forces of economic influence that can alter the equation of scarcity.... Highly recommended for any college-level collection."

--California Bookwatch

"We cannot walk away from the threats to water quantity and quality that the authors of the chapters in this book lay out clearly--as well as analyzing many of the institutional arrangements that academics and policy makers are contemplating. While it is not fun to read about these severe problems, we must face up to them and this book does so clearly and with substantial depth."

--Elinor Ostrom, Nobel Laureate in economic science; Arthur F. Bentley Professor of Political Science and co-director, Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis, Indiana University; founding director, Center for the Study of Institutional Diversity, Arizona State University

"Aquanomics provides clear and crucial understanding of the steps that must be taken to bring discipline to public policies about a misunderstood resource . . . Aquanomics reveals the enormous ecological and economic benefits of bringing property rights to water. As with any other resource, if people own water it will be protected."

--Roger E. Meiners, John and Judy Goolsby Distinguished Professor of Economics and Law, University of Texas at Arlington

"The authors discuss and illustrate with case studies the economic and political transaction costs of water transfers, and suggest ways to overcome the impediments. This book is essential reading for those wishing to understand water markets and advance more sensible public policies."

--Lee J. Alston, professor and director of the Institutions Program, Institute of Behavioral Science, Univer

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ISBN: 9781412845786
ISBN-10: 1412845785
Audience: Professional
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 456
Published: 18th April 2012
Publisher: Transaction Publishers
Dimensions (cm): 22.9 x 15.2  x 2.0
Weight (kg): 0.57