April 12, 2022 | Working Paper
  • Headline: Environmental Consequences of Inequality
  • Intro Text: PERI researcher James Boyce argues that inequality has important consequences for the extent of pollution and natural resource depletion as well as for the distribution of the costs and benefits from environmental degradation. Inequalities in the distribution of purchasing power operate through the market, and inequalities in the distribution of political power operate through governance institutions. Boyce concludes that environmental degradation is not simply a matter of humans harming other species and ecosystems; it is also a matter of some people harming other people. To rebalance our relationships with nature, it will be necessary to rebalance our relationships among ourselves.
  • Type of publication: Working Paper
  • Research or In The Media: Research
  • Research Area: Environmental and Energy Economics
  • Publication Date: 2022-04-12
  • View pdf
  • Authors:
    • Add Authors: James K. Boyce
  • Show in Front Page Modules: No
The Environmental Consequences of Inequality

Abstract

Inequality has important consequences for the extent of pollution and natural resource depletion as well as for the distribution of the costs and benefits from environmental degradation. Inequalities in the distribution of purchasing power operate through the market, and inequalities in the distribution of political power operate through governance institutions, often with mutually reinforcing effects.

umass logo

This is an official web page
of the University of Massachusetts.

Political Economy Research Institute

Gordon Hall, 418 N. Pleasant St., Suite A

Amherst, MA 01002
Tel: 413-545-6355 Fax: 413-577-0261
Contact: