Capitalism and Conservation

Many popular leisure pursuits and consumption habits drive and deepen global capitalism - from whale watching in the Azores to sipping an ethically-sourced cup of morning coffee. But what are the consequences for society, nature, and conservation? Capitalism and Conservation presents an important critique of conservation's role as a central driver of global capitalism. This thought-provoking collection of case studies from around the world vividly demonstrates the increase in intensity and variety of forms of capitalist conservation. They also reveal a surprising shift in the conservation movement's own conception of these practices: their current mainstream view is the idea that capitalism can and should help conservation save the world. By examining the works of various corporate billionaires, powerful political coalitions and foundations, international elites and NGOs, and new tourist and business opportunities, the essays show that conservation and capitalism have intertwined to distribute fortune and misfortune in many new ways - with entirely new dynamics of profit creation and marginalisation. Capitalism and Conservation offers illuminating insights and critique of the realities and tensions of capitalism and conservation's coexistence in today's world.