This book considers the implications of models of economic growth for the debate on sustainability. The interplay between economic and ecological systems is analyzed, also taking into account issues of equity and risk. The main part of the book concentrates on sustainability in the light of an analytical framework. The book will be of particular interest both to researchers in economics and to experts in natural sciences who want to understand the most relevant economic points.

Following the presentation ofChina's Agenda XXIin 1994, the Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei began a fruitful collaboration with the SSTC (State Science and Technology Commission) on Natural Resource Accounting of the People's Republic of China. Among other initiatives, the Fondazione organised a seminar held in Beijing in March 1996, entitled "Resources Accounting in China". This volume brings together 11 papers as the result ofthat seminar. Our main attempt was to compare approaches and knowledge of specific issues in this area. As far as the approach is concerned there appear to be some...