Valuing the Environment

Your readings this week address the various methods used to value environmental preservation and services. In a paper of at least four pages you are to examine environmental valuation. To begin, discuss the extent to which humans should value the environment making sure to focus on the economic value of the environment. Then you are to discuss the methods of placing a valuation on the environment making sure to include the following concepts:

1. cost/benefit analysis
2. the demand curve
3. opportunity cost
4. the timing of costs and benefits, including:

• the present value
• the discount rate

Additionally, discuss the three major issues in benefit estimation that are posed in the text as well as the three major approaches to cost estimation. Make sure to discuss all topics in enough detail to show understanding of the content material, and utilize both the text and at least three scholarly resources to support your arguments.

Your paper should include an introduction with a developed thesis statement to set up the paper, as well as a concluding paragraph that sums up your discussion. Additionally, your assignment must be at least four double-spaced pages in length (excluding the title and reference page) and be formatted according to APA (6th ed.) style as outlined in the approved APA style guide. You must use at least three scholarly sources to provide sufficient detail of the topics listed above. For information regarding APA, including samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, located within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.