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The preservation paradox and natural capital

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  • Tyler DesRoches, C.

Abstract

Many ecological economists have argued that some natural capital should be preserved for posterity. Yet, among environmental philosophers, the preservation paradox entails that preserving parts of nature, including the items denoted by natural capital, is impossible. The paradox suggests that nature is a realm of phenomena independent of intentional human agency, and that preserving and restoring nature require intentional human agency. Therefore, no one can preserve or restore nature (without making it artificial). While this article argues that the preservation paradox is more difficult to resolve than ordinarily recognized, it also concludes by sketching a positive way forward to understand what it means to preserve natural capital during the Anthropocene.

Suggested Citation

  • Tyler DesRoches, C., 2020. "The preservation paradox and natural capital," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 41(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoser:v:41:y:2020:i:c:s2212041619306692
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoser.2019.101058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. C. Tyler DesRoches, 2018. "What Is Natural about Natural Capital during the Anthropocene?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-10, March.
    2. Eric Neumayer, 2013. "Weak versus Strong Sustainability," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 14993.
    3. Stern, David I., 1997. "Limits to substitution and irreversibility in production and consumption: A neoclassical interpretation of ecological economics," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 21(3), pages 197-215, June.
    4. Solow, Robert, 1993. "An almost practical step toward sustainability," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 19(3), pages 162-172, September.
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    Cited by:

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