Green by Design

Green by Design: How Economics Can Save the Planet makes the case that environmental destruction is fundamentally an economic problem requiring economic solutions. The book explains how markets systematically fail to account for environmental costs, leading to overproduction of pollution and undervaluation of natural resources. Through accessible explanations and real-world examples, it demonstrates how tools like carbon pricing, cap-and-trade systems, payments for ecosystem services, and green technology subsidies can correct these market failures and align profit incentives with planetary health.

Beyond technical policy prescriptions, the book explores the behavioral economics of sustainability, the politics of environmental reform, and questions of climate justice and development. It presents a comprehensive blueprint for transitioning to a green economy—one that creates jobs, spurs innovation, and measures progress beyond GDP growth. By blending economic theory with compelling case studies from California's carbon market to Sweden's carbon tax success, the book argues that well-designed economic policies offer our best hope for addressing climate change while building a more prosperous and equitable future.