Analysis Quote by Gilbert F. White
“One effect of benefit-cost analysis is to give any respectable engineer or economist a means for justifying almost any kind of project the national government wants to justify... Exclusive reliance on benefit-cost analysis has been one of the greatest threats to wise decisions in water development.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Water and Development, 1975
Benefit‑cost analysis can be misused to justify any project, risking poor water management decisions.
In simple terms: Overreliance on cost‑benefit can lead to bad water policies.
Key Takeaway
Balance quantitative analysis with ecological and social judgment.
Themes
environmental planning
decision making
water resources
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
policy
environmental
When to use this quote
- infrastructure planning
- environmental impact studies
- public hearings
- resource allocation
Key Concepts
cost‑benefit bias
holistic assessment
sustainable development
Questions to Reflect On
- What values should guide water project choices?
- How can we ensure stakeholder voices are heard?
A Different Perspective
May overlook long‑term ecological costs.
