Reduction in the size of the world's remaining rainforests is an issue of huge importance for all societies. This new book - an analysis of the impact of oil wealth on tropical deforestation in South America, Africa and Asia - takes a much more analytical approach than the usual fare of environmental studies.
The focus on economies as a whole leads to a more balanced view than those that are often put forward and therefore, vitally, a view that is more valid. Of use to those who study environmental issues and economics, this book is potentially an indispensable tool for policy-makers the world over.

Sven Wunder is Scientist and Senior Economist at the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Indonesia.

Introduction 1. The Malady of Prosperity 2. The Impact of Oil Wealth on Forests 3. Defining and Measuring Changing Forest Conditions 4. Gabon 5. Venezuela 6. Cameroon 7. Ecuador 8. Papua New Guinea 9. More Tales of Oil Wealth and Forests: Mexico, Nigeria and Indonesia 10. Comparison, Conclusions and Recommendations