I finished reading “Natural Capitalism” by Paul Hawkens and Amory and L. Hunter Lovins last evening. Although written in 1999, the messages of the book seem very current and compelling to me. The description of systems approaches where the impact on “externalities” such as the environment are very convincing. I found the description of market approaches to natural capitalism a bit more murky, yet interesting nonetheless. It’s the first time I’ve come close to understanding how a market in pollution credits could possibly be helpful, although I’m still not entirely convinced of the value of the idea. The description of the Brazilian city of Curitiba was wonderful… makes me wish I had known to visit there during my trip to Brazil in the spring.