Will putting a price on nature devalue its worth? | Letters

Readers respond for and against George Monbiot, including Tony Juniper of WWFThe natural world is an incredible wonder that inspires us all, but despite our love of wildlife and wild places, there is no doubt that it is facing catastrophic decline, here and abroad. George Monbiot (The UK government wants to put a price on nature - but that will destroy it, 15 May) suggests that in efforts to save the natural world there are grave dangers in putting a "price on nature".Yet one reason we are failing to do what is necessary is because nature is still seen as "nice to have", rather than essential in sustaining our health, wealth and security. Many companies, economists and governments regard environmental destruction as a regrettable but inevitable consequence of economic growth - the "price of progress". If we don't change this mindset, then there will be little prospect for the revolution in ideas that is needed to avoid a mass extinction event and disastrous climatic changes.  Continue reading...