Development and the environment: an introduction

This paper has two objectives. First, it investigates some conceptual linkages between the sub‐disciplines of development economics and environmental economics. We find common methodological orientations, and shared interests in growth processes, resources and sustainability, international trade, market mechanisms and market failure, institutions, and co‐operative international behaviour. Second, it introduces the other papers that appear in this special issue, and sets them within the context of the common orientations and themes that have been identified here. Finally, we offer some recommendations for the design of syllabuses in the field of development and environmental economics.