Managing nature’s portfolio: why natural capital really matters
In this excerpt from Partha Dasgupta’s book "On Natural Capital," the author explains how our management of most important asset – nature – is often short-sighted and inefficient, leading to a global imbalance that puts the biosphere at risk. Through concrete examples and the language of portfolio analysis, Dasgupta shows how undervaluing the social worth of natural capital has led to the depletion of vital resources like water, soil, and biodiversity. Only by recognizing the importance of integrating natural capital into our economic and policy decisions can we avoid collective failure and build a more sustainable future for all.