"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."
It is a field of economics that aims to incorporate environmental considerations into economic thinking and decision-making.
Sustainability: This is the fundamental concept underlying Ecological Economics. It refers to the ability of an ecosystem to maintain a balance between its resources and the needs of its inhabitants, including humans.
Natural capital: This refers to the economic value of natural resources such as forests, minerals, and water. Ecological Economics aims to ensure that the value of these resources is not underestimated, and that they are used sustainably.
Ecosystem services: These are the benefits that humans receive from functioning ecosystems, including clean air and water, pollination, and food production. Ecological Economics seeks to ensure that these services are not undervalued or degraded.
Energy and resource use: Ecological Economics recognizes that natural resources are finite and seeks to promote sustainable energy and resource use.
Externalities: These are the costs or benefits that are not reflected in market prices. Ecological Economics aims to internalize these externalities, so that businesses and individuals take full account of their impact on the environment.
Environmental economics: This is a branch of economics that studies the relationship between economic activity and the environment. Ecological Economics builds on environmental economics by considering the long-term health and sustainability of ecosystems.
Policy instruments: These are the various tools that governments can use to regulate economic activity and promote sustainability. Ecological Economics considers a range of policy instruments, including taxes, subsidies, and regulations.
Ecological footprint: This is a measure of the impact of human activity on the environment. Ecological Economics seeks to reduce the ecological footprint of human activity while maintaining economic growth and development.
Climate change: This is a major environmental issue that poses a threat to the sustainability of ecosystems worldwide. Ecological Economics aims to promote policies and practices that minimize greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Biodiversity: This is the variety of life on Earth. Ecological Economics aims to protect and enhance biodiversity by promoting sustainable land use, conservation, and ecosystem management.
Sustainable transportation: This is an area of particular concern for Ecological Economics, as transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts. Ecological Economics seeks to promote sustainable transportation options, such as public transportation, biking, and walking.
Circular economy: This is an economic model that seeks to minimize waste and promote the efficient use of resources by keeping materials in use for as long as possible. Ecological Economics promotes the circular economy as a key strategy for promoting sustainability.
Regenerative agriculture: This is an approach to agriculture that seeks to promote soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. Ecological Economics promotes regenerative agriculture as an important strategy for feeding growing populations sustainably.
Decarbonization: This refers to the reduction of carbon emissions from energy production and use. Ecological Economics promotes decarbonization as a crucial strategy for mitigating climate change.
Environmental justice: This is the idea that all people have the right to a healthy environment and that environmental harms should be distributed fairly across society. Ecological Economics recognizes the importance of environmental justice as a key component of sustainability.
Ecological footprint analysis: This is an approach that evaluates the land area that is required to produce the goods and services consumed by a population. It considers both the direct and indirect impacts of consumption on the environment and is used to assess the sustainability of human activities.
Sustainability science: Sustainability science synergizes different disciplines to address the challenges of sustainable development. It explores the relationships between social, economic, and environmental systems and aims to promote well-being while maintaining ecological integrity.
Ecosystem services valuation: This approach studies the ways in which ecosystems contribute to human well-being and economic development. It helps decision-makers to understand the value of ecosystem resources, services, and functions.
Climate change economics: This field of study focuses on the impacts of global warming and climate change on economic systems. It assesses the costs and benefits of mitigation and adaptation policies and aims to promote sustainable development and climate resilience.
Resource economics: This branch of ecological economics deals with the management of natural resources, such as water, forests, fisheries, and minerals. It seeks to find optimal solutions for resource allocation, use, and conservation.
Environmental governance: Environmental governance focuses on the institutional arrangements, policies, and legal frameworks needed to promote sustainable development. It explores the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders and promotes sustainable resource management.
Ecological economics modeling: A modeling technique that synthesizes different aspects of ecological economics (biophysical dimensions, social systems, and human well-being) into a comprehensive framework. It helps to identify ecological and social risks and opportunities and to explore policy options that promote sustainable development.
"...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."