The cost of saving trees : public policy and the valuation of forests for their conservation

Abstract

Forest conservation has become an increasing popular answer in the search for solutions to the massive problem of climate change. However, it is economic value often an obstacle to the conservation of certain areas of forest. In this paper, I will look at different ascribed forest values and argue that a range of values, not just economic value, should be considered in our evaluation of whether forests are worthy of legal protection.