Are Jobs and the Quality of the Environment Mutually Exclusive?

Abstract

In this paper it is shown that there is no support in economic theory for the suggested trade-off between jobs and the environment. Moreover, improved environmental quality may accelerate economic growth via improved health and productivity of workers, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced productivity of capital inputs. Also, empirical evidence is presented on the preference of the general public regarding environmental quality. The empirical evidence indicates that people are ready to trade part of their income for improved environmental quality.