The increasing scarcity of water around the world prompts heated debate over the effectiveness of conservation efforts and policy initiatives. Is water becoming increasingly scarce? If recent usage trends continue, many people believe that shortages are inevitable. Aquanomics, edited by B. Delworth Gardner and PERC Senior Fellow Randy Simmons, comprehensively examines a full range ofContinue reading “Aquanomics: Water Markets and the Environment”
Author Archives: admin
Unnatural forests are depleting water supplies
By Helen M. Poulos and James G. Workman Ronald Reagan once justified logging with “a tree is a tree; how many more do you need to look at?” Besides, he warned, “trees cause more pollution than automobiles.” We cringed at his biases. Yet due to forces none foresaw, Reagan’s gaffes may now ring true. Today,Continue reading “Unnatural forests are depleting water supplies”
Celebrating Humanity in the Environment
A curious model for conservation is taking the stage. It is grounded in protecting landscapes and species but adds humans to the mix. Though not a new idea, it is often dismissed, even discouraged, by environmental thinkers. This conservation ethic has the power to enhance resource stewardship and environmental quality. The new paradigm acknowledges humansContinue reading “Celebrating Humanity in the Environment”
The sport of kings
By Terry Anderson I am planning a trip to Spain to archery hunt for Spanish ibex, a magnificent wild goat. The hunt will cost several thousand dollars, not counting the money for airfare, hotels, and food. I’m wondering, however, if I should still go or cancel the trip and follow the lead of Spain’s KingContinue reading “The sport of kings”
Lessons From the Old West: Don’t Ban It, Brand It
Last Saturday was roundup and branding day at my ranch in the Madison River Valley, about 20 miles west of Bozeman. Neighbors came to help and I put the P J (my registered brand) on the left side of my calves. As I carefully placed the irons on each calf (yes, they are hot,Continue reading “Lessons From the Old West: Don’t Ban It, Brand It”
Tapping Water Markets
When the washing machine is running, the sprinklers are on, and the kids are filling the bathtub, few Americans are thinking about how much water they are consuming. Under the current subsidized system of water allocation, Americans only spend approximately $474 a year on water, a price that does not reflect its true scarcity value.Continue reading “Tapping Water Markets”
Earth Day Reflections
Many would argue the modern environmental movement was catapulted into fame 50 years ago by Rachel Carson’s seminal book Silent Spring. Although it is now rarely read outside of the classroom, it remains one the most highly cited works of environmental writing. However, in Silent Spring at 50: Reflections on an Environmental Classic, Roger E.Continue reading “Earth Day Reflections”
Sammy’s Suzuki
Maasai are incresaing their incomes by using a portion of their grazing land for wildlife viewing by tourists.
Silent Spring at 50: Reexamining Rachel Carson’s Classic
After 50 years, Silent Spring is rarely read, but it is routinely cited as a canonical work in environmentalism. Rachel Carson is hailed as a near saint in the environmental movement. There is no doubt the book played a major role helping to spur the environmental movement in the 1960s. A careful reading of Silent Spring,Continue reading “Silent Spring at 50: Reexamining Rachel Carson’s Classic”
Scourge: IIlegal Aliens in our Midst
This may be no surprise to the rest of you, but down here in border country, we are surrounded by immigrants. Aliens at every turn. Invading the places we live and work, they threaten the very stability of our established order. They are particularly hard to police, being resistant to almost all attempts at legislationContinue reading “Scourge: IIlegal Aliens in our Midst”