Count me as one of those inspired by John Krutilla's "Conservation Reconsidered" (AER, 1967: available at JSTOR). I read this paper as I ran across it in the reference list of one of my environmental policy course readings and decided to pursue the estimation of (what then was known as) existence values (of something) for my dissertation.
Krutilla argued that the traditional way of thinking about economics and the environment would soon be pushed aside by a new way of thinking. Technological improvements and irreversible development makes resource amenities more valuable relative to resource extraction. I still launch my environmental economics course (if I ever teach it again) with these ideas to show why the course is now offered in most economics departments.
RFF is honoring the 40th anniversary of its publication with a seminar today. I'll be there in spirit.
