This article explore the primary problem associated with balancing the sustainability of natural resources with economic growth. Although this topic is new, it is essential in the ability to balance economic policy and the needs of environmental sustainability. The article, “Accounting for Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability: Linking Ecosystem Sustainability to Human Well-Being,” was chosen because it is relevant to one of the primary difficulties faced by environmental economists.

As the title of the article suggests, environmental accountability must balance a certain set of factors. It must balance National Policy on clean water and clean air. It must balance goals to restore wetlands, and find ways to measure the progress of these factors. It also needs to find a way to develop a monitoring system that is unbiased and on a national scale. These measures need to be repeated periodically to make certain that they are still a good fit. This article does not provide exact processes, but rather presents and overall plan for achieving and maintaining the environment, while satisfying the needs for economic responsibility. The supports the top-down model of environmental accounting because they promote the ability to reach overall goals. This approach makes sense from a policy standpoint, but may not lead to actionable results. The article contends that a bottom-up approach will result in a focus on the task, while losing sight of the larger goal. The article suggests continual monitoring of the environmental accounts and analyzing them for any changes the need to be made. I agree that this will be necessary, but author provides no clue as to how to accomplish this in a manner that is realistic.

This article was chosen because it relates to the overall field of environmental economics because it summarizes the primary problems faced by environmental accountants in achieving a balance between policy and local level action. It addresses the problem using a methodical five circle approach that seeks to balance the needs of all stakeholders. The article emphasizes the interconnectivity between the ability of humans to continue to thrive and prosper economically with creating a sustainable policy for the future. It addresses the needs of the future generations and our responsibility to preserve both sides of the economic and environmental equation. The article attempts to take abstract concepts and transform them into actionable steps. The article addresses the conundrum that the problems are obvious, but the solutions available at this time are only theoretical. The author takes a first attempt at marrying these two concepts in a way that will have positive actionable results. The exact processes that need to be developed are not outlined in a specific manner, but the roadmap has been presented in way that policy makers and future environmental accountants will be able to utilize in the development of specific policies and measures.

I agree that the article’s ideology is based on sound economic and sound environmental principals. It uses credible sources for support in the development of its theories. I feel that the article is a good place to start with the development of economic policy. I do not feel that the author has been concrete in his suggestions, making the article theoretical in nature. The article could have been strengthened by the inclusion of examples and case studies that demonstrate how to apply the principles discussed. The author supports his conclusions with facts and recognizes the need for a paradigm shift in the way environmental and economic are utilized in this nation. I agree that this is the essential issue in the field of environmental accounting today. The article is relevant to the environmental sciences because the author highlights that these two need not be opposing forces, but that a marriage of these two areas is essential for not only our future, but our children’s future.