"Ecological economics is both a transdisciplinary and an interdisciplinary field of academic research addressing the interdependence and coevolution of human economies and natural ecosystems, both intertemporally and spatially."
Examines the relationships between economic activities and natural systems, promoting a more sustainable and equitable economy.
The origins and development of ecological economics: A historical overview of the emergence of ecological economics as a distinct field of study.
Environmental accounting: A method of measuring and tracking the economic impact of environmental resources and damages.
Ecological footprint analysis: A tool for measuring the environmental impact of individual or collective activities, and the sustainability of resource use.
Environmental policy and governance: The legal and regulatory frameworks for managing natural resources, promoting sustainable development, and preventing environmental harm.
Sustainability science: An interdisciplinary approach to understanding the interactions between social, economic, and ecological systems, and promoting resilient and sustainable outcomes.
Systems thinking and complexity theory: An analytical framework for understanding the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems, and the need for integrated solutions to sustainability challenges.
Environmental justice and equity: The fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, and the recognition of marginalized communities as major stakeholders in environmental decision-making.
Degrowth and steady-state economics: Alternative economic models that prioritize environmental sustainability and well-being over GDP growth.
Environmental ethics and values: The moral principles and ethical frameworks that underlie ecological economics and sustainable development.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation: Strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate impacts, and building resilience to climate change.
Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services: The importance of protecting and restoring natural ecosystems and the services they provide to human societies.
Ecological economics and development: The role of ecological economics in promoting sustainable development and poverty reduction in low-income countries.
Sustainable agriculture and food systems: The importance of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and food systems that minimize environmental impacts while ensuring food security and nutrition.
Energy and resource management: Strategies for promoting greater efficiency and conservation of energy and natural resources, and transitioning to renewable sources of energy.
Circular economy and waste reduction: The importance of designing products and systems that minimize waste and promote recycling and reuse.
Degrowth Economics: An approach that emphasizes reducing the overall economic output to create a more sustainable society.
Ecological Marxism: An approach that combines ecological concerns with Marxist theory to highlight the role of capitalism in environmental destruction.
Steady-State Economics: An approach that advocates for an economy in which resource use and population remain stable.
Feminist Economics: An approach that stresses the importance of a gendered approach to sustainable development, and of recognizing the unpaid labor traditionally carried out by women.
Environmental Justice: An approach that seeks to address environmental issues within the context of social justice, with a focus on marginalized communities.
Natural Capitalism: An approach that emphasizes market-based solutions to environmental problems, including the use of economic incentives and increased efficiency in resource use.
Circular Economy: An approach that seeks to minimize waste and create a closed-loop system in which resources are reused and recycled.
Industrial Ecology: An approach that looks at the economy as a complex ecosystem, with the goal of designing industrial systems that mimic natural processes.
Community-Based Economics: An approach that emphasizes the importance of local decision-making and investment, and of building sustainable, self-reliant communities.
"...the field of ecological economics is differentiated from environmental economics, which is the mainstream economic analysis of the environment."
"...ecological economists emphasizing strong sustainability and rejecting the proposition that physical (human-made) capital can substitute for natural capital."
"Ecological economics was founded in the 1980s as a modern discipline on the works of and interactions between various European and American academics."
"The related field of green economics is in general a more politically applied form of the subject."
"According to ecological economist Malte Michael Faber, ecological economics is defined by its focus on nature, justice, and time."
"Issues of intergenerational equity, irreversibility of environmental change, uncertainty of long-term outcomes, and sustainable development guide ecological economic analysis and valuation."
"Ecological economists have questioned fundamental mainstream economic approaches such as cost-benefit analysis."
"Ecological economists...contend that economics is unavoidably normative, i.e., prescriptive, rather than positive or descriptive."
"Positional analysis, which attempts to incorporate time and justice issues, is proposed as an alternative."
"Ecological economics shares several of its perspectives with feminist economics, including the focus on sustainability, nature, justice, and care values."
"Karl Marx also commented on the relationship between capital and ecology, what is now known as ecosocialism."
"By treating the economy as a subsystem of Earth's larger ecosystem..."
"...by emphasizing the preservation of natural capital..."
"The related field of green economics is in general a more politically applied form of the subject."
"...rejecting the proposition that physical (human-made) capital can substitute for natural capital..."
"Issues of intergenerational equity, irreversibility of environmental change, uncertainty of long-term outcomes, and sustainable development..."
"Ecological economists have questioned...the separability of economic values from scientific research..."
"Positional analysis, which attempts to incorporate time and justice issues..."
"Karl Marx also commented on the relationship between capital and ecology, what is now known as ecosocialism."