The Problem with Reporting Pollution Allowances: Reporting is not the Problem

This is a critical review of the paper by Wambsganss and Sanford. They are concerned with the reporting of tradeable pollution allowances in financial reports, and seek an optimal basis for their valuation. This review suggests that the reporting of such allowances is not the real problem in addressing atmospheric pollution, but that the economic philosophy which attempts to address ecological problems in economic terms is the main culprit. In the review, the problems of assigning value to these permits are addressed, along with the broader disadvantages inherent in the instruments themselves. Alternatives are then explored within the economic paradigm in which the authors place their work, and, finally, non-market potential solutions are identified. © 1996 Academic Press Limited.