“I have always been uneasy about the philosophical and scientific underpinnings of ‘sustainable development.’ With A Poverty of Reason, we now have an excellent book which carefully examines these concerns and which can be used to seriously debate the concept.”

– Donald H. Stedman, Phillipson-Brainerd Professor of Chemistry, University of Denver

“Beckerman, an Oxford economist, takes on three phrases frequently invoked in debates over environmental policy: ‘sustainable development,’ ‘the precautionary principle,’ and ‘intergenerational equity.’ He demonstrates that each is highly problematic—and that some interpretations of them could have detrimental effects on the world’s poor and on future generations. Beckerman finds clear thinking and clear expression deficient in most public debate (even among those who know better), and his discussion of climate change and biodiversity has resonance well beyond those two illustrations. . . . Serious debate about current actions (on inactions) with long-term effects must take into account Beckerman’s cogent arguments.”

– Foreign Affairs

“In A Poverty of Reason, Wilfred Beckerman brings wisdom and wit to his examination of major themes found in today’s environmental policy. With his economist’s scalpel, he cuts to the core of high sounding words and phrases such as ‘sustainable development’ and finds hopeless contradiction. Not much for slogans, Beckerman goes far beyond the usual in developing recommendations for environmental policy. In his view, governments that seek to provide ‘greener pastures’ must emphasize economic growth and enhanced protection of human rights and liberty.”

– Bruce Yandle, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Economics, Clemson University

“Wilfred Beckerman, an Oxford University Emeritus Fellow in Economics, disputes global climate change concerns and the need for sustainable development. . . . The author poses the following questions: What exactly is ‘sustainable development’ and what does it require? The answer is by no means obvious. How does one select from among competing needs and trade-offs? . . . [I]n Beckerman’s view, the application of the precautionary principle, ‘one of the basic principles of sustainable development,’ is not economically justified.”

– Natural Resources and & Environment

“Sustainable development has become a shield for numerous special-interest arguments in the policy arena. In A Poverty of Reason, Beckerman has provides an important, well-reasoned, and careful critique, pointing out both the crucial ethical and economic shortcomings of the arguments.”

– P.J. Hill, George F. Bennett Chair of Economics, Wheaton College