Earth Restoration

Note eco-economic framework for policy analysis. The economy depends on ecosystems and environmental services.

Imagine Brown's method based on the empty earth assumption of Adam Smith's Invisible Hand and the prevailing full earth realization of Brown's Plan B. An eco-economy specifically embeds the economy within nature.

Protect and restore forests. Focus on paper recycling, innovative stoves and fuels, certification, stewardship, reforestation. Center of reform: China and Africa.

Brown provides a sense of urgency here. He sees forests as the foundation of an earth restoration policy. Forests are now vulnerable and need protection. Note the data on deforestation due to harvesting of forest products such as lumber, pulp, fuels. Here, the throwaway economy destroys the forests of the world. Brown at his best here. Note his conclusion. Brown has added a glowing section on planting trees to sequester carbon. Successes are noted in China, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Soil conservation needed if agriculture is to prosper. Some steps: emulate U.S. success, conservation tillage agriculture, Green Walls around deserts, eliminate overgrazing.

Recall the 1930s Dust Bowl in Great Plains. Some success in USA noted. Brown looks to a series of sensible policy measures appropriate to regions of the world. Note success of New England.

Water policy: water tables fall while energy prices rise. Goals: water for all, ecosystem services, biodiversity.

My suspicion is that Brown underestimates this problem. He notes the intersection of water, energy, food, and population. He ignores issues of privatization and costs.

Regenerate fisheries, feasible in theory but difficult in practice. End fishing industry subsidies. Set up marine reserves.

This tragedy is hard to grasp, so policy support difficult in the face of entrenched economic interests and regions. For many poor regions, the sea is main source of protein. Some species can regenerate quickly. Brown misses cap-and-trade option here. A template for policy will be offered based on withdrawing subsidies, cap-and-trade, and consensus building. There are some successes and there is surge in fish farming.

Biodiversity requires stabilizing population, slowing global warming, setting up reserves, and protecting hotspots.

Mass extinction, which might still be inevitable, appears to be a derivative of policies aimed at population and global warming. Reserves and selective habitat protection is needed. Brown notes success of U.S. Endangered Species Act, which is itself endangered. Note in Brown's Earth Restoration Budget that biodiversity is the most expensive single item.

Earth Restoration Budget, led by topsoil and biodiversity. Forestry is the least expensive item. Total cost per year is $110 billion. Benefits: priceless!

Perhaps oversimplified, but Brown tries to put a cost estimate on a daunting policy of restoring the earth.