Frances Cairncross, senior editor of The Economist and author of the best selling Costing the Earth, shows that economic growth does not have to be at the expense of environmental protection. For the poor, growth is essential, to eliminate the threats to health and environmental security that poverty presents. As for the more affluent, they may be unwilling to sacrifice their living standards, even for a cleaner environment.

The question is, rather, how can the environmental impact of growth be minimized? Here, the role of business is crucial. New technologies and well-designed policies have to work hand in hand; and the interests of governments, of companies and of the environmental movement lie in making a cleaner environment an opportunity for profitability. All three parties will find this a stimulating survey and an invaluable practical guide.