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It is economically irrational to exclude large…

“It is economically irrational to exclude large environmental costs from the balance sheets of the producers and the consumers. You are only kidding yourself if you export those costs on to society as a whole.” quote by John Holdren
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“It is economically irrational to exclude large environmental costs from the balance sheets of the producers and the consumers. You are only kidding yourself if you export those costs on to society as a whole.”

John Holdren

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Ignoring environmental damage in accounting misleads decision‑makers and harms society.

In simple terms: Ignore costs, harm all.

Key Takeaway

Account for environmental impacts.

Themes

economics environment policy

Mood

analytical concerned

Type

academic policy

When to use this quote

  • corporate reporting
  • government budgeting
  • investment decisions
  • product pricing

Key Concepts

externalities sustainability cost‑benefit analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can firms measure hidden environmental costs?
  • What incentives encourage true accounting?
A Different Perspective

Quantifying costs can be complex and contested.

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