On June 21, 2007 Kenneth Acks, CEO of the Cost-Benefit Group presented "A Framework for Analyzing the Costs and Benefits of Green Roofs: Second Stage Results” before the United States Society for Ecological Economics (USSEE) conference in New Yrk (see www.ussee.org/PDFs/Program_Book_June_21_2007.pdf)
Posted in News
Despite significant advances, too many policy decisions are still based upon rigid adherence to fixed ideas, limited information, political power, and irrational emotions. The human mind has a tremendous capacity to deceive itself about what is right and what is wrong. False ideas cause people, to advocate well intended but ultimately destructive policies; to become locked-in with total confidence to simplistic answers; and--in the worst cases--to diminish the capacity of others to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Although cost benefit analysis and other frameworks for rational decision-making are being applied in more and more situations, these tools play too little a role in too many decisions--partly due to the time and funds required to implement good studies, and partly due to the power of the countervailing forces mentioned above. In addition, when these frameworks are applied the end-products generally omit significant factors or provide questionable estimates--rendering them to the dustbin of history, unless they happen to support positions of powerful proponents. Researchers have produced thousands of useful studies and dozens of computer models. Yet too often they are not utilized by decision makers. What is needed are means to collect as much relevant information as is feasible, to analyze it rationally, to reconcile differences, and to disseminate it cost effectively in a manner easily understood by as many people as possible. We fulfill these ends through information systems, most notably the ACB Computerized Cost Benefit Analysis System, our acclaimed newsletter, Environmental Valuation & Cost Benefit News, which has paid subscribers in ten nations; and our research into applications of artificial intelligence in policy analysis. Our computerized cost benefit analysis system brings together the results of many studies, creates common denominators, and uses "meta analysis" to reconcile differences in results. What are the best policies? If you listen to radical environmentalists and rigid liberals you will be steeped in fear regarding the calamities that may arise from environmental devastation-the deadly cancers, the sizzling globe, and the vanishing species. Business leaders, real estate developers, and rigid conservatives, on the other hand, dangle lost jobs, paralyzed economies, and the loss of the freedom to pursue what you want when you want it before the public. People trying to be objective may become befuddled and ultimately descend into apathy. In general the truth lies somewhere in the middle. There is an element of reality in each position. What is needed are facts which can help us to determine the degree of the environmental damages, if any, and tools which can translate these damages into a common denominator so that they can be compared to other phenomena such as the benefits of removal. Information can also help bring to light the many instances where economic and ecological goals do not collide. As society faces increasingly complex uncertain challenges these tools will be needed more and more. Recent court decisions, proposed and enacted legislation, and regulatory orders indicate that measures of costs, benefits, and risks are being required in the future to justify public and private actions. Our mission is to help insure that these measures are brought to bear upon problems quickly and effectively and to resolve conflicts to produce maximum benefits. These methods have been applied to a host of problems including sprawl, acid rain, global warming, endangered species, threatened watersheds, contaminated real estate, and much more. They can play a much greater role in the future.
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