A Book Review on The Bet

"The Birth of Free-Market Environmentalism" By Nicholson

1. Observe the book review: How was the book review written? [What was the structure of the review?; What was the author’s approach to writing the review?; Often a book review begins with a summary, followed by some reflections on the book, other times a book review is an editorial platform]
   The book review was written summarizing the role Simon and Ehrlich played in creating free-market environmentalism and their impact on government and policy. He also uses The Bet as a way to explain environmental history and policy in the United States as a story while also incorporating what is happening at the international level both currently and in the past. Nicholson took a very neutral approach mainly describing the opinion and influence of these two contradicting ideas. At the end, he comes out to say that the middle ground seems to be where we should stand since both sides do make valid points that should not fully dismissed.
2. In what ways did you agree and/or disagree with the book reviewer?  

I agree with the book reviewer that we should consider both arguments when making a final determination as to ways we address overpopulation and environmental needs. If we dismiss the ideas of Ehrlich, we would be living with ignorance while also dismissing the ideas of Simon would be useless when determining a possible solution to overpopulation. I agree also that our environment is deteriorating and it requires us all to come to a consensus on how to make our world a better place for all. I also want to add that support what the author is stating about how Simon's beliefs tailor towards free market and economic growth over environmental protection. I can also see how our society has shifted from addressing the needs of our environment valuing Ehrlich's perspective in the 1970s and 1980s to a viewpoint today that sides more with Simon using economic growth and technological advances as a solution to environmental concerns. Our society has shifted from the Nixon, Carter, and Reagan presidencies that focused on environmental legislative and solutions to more recent presidents like George H. W Bush who supports economic growth believing Americans shouldn't have to sacrifice their way of living. I do concur with the author that there is some question as to whether using Simon's belief of free market environmentalism can be a beneficial solution to addressing environmental concerns.