An Introduction to Ecological Economics

By Robert Goodland, John H. Cumberland, Herman E. Daly, et al.

From Empty-World Economics to Full-World Economics

Ecological economics explores new ways of thinking about how we manage our lives and our planet to achieve a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future. Ecological economics extends and integrates the study and management of both "nature's household" and "humankind's household"--An Introduction to Ecological Economics, Second Edition, the first update and expansion of this classic text in 15 years, describes new approaches to achieving a sustainable and desirable human presence on Earth. Written by the top experts in the field, it addresses the necessity for an innovative approach to integrated environmental, social, and economic analysis and management, and describes policies aimed at achieving our shared goals.

Demands a Departure from Business as Usual

The book begins with a description of prevailing interdependent environmental, economic, and social issues and their underlying causes, and offers guidance on designing policies and instruments capable of adequately coping with these problems. It documents the historical development of the disciplines of economics and ecology, and explores how they have evolved so differently from a shared conceptual base. Structured into four sections, it also presents various ideas and models in their proper chronological context, details the fundamental principles of ecological economics, and outlines prospects for the future.

What's New in the Second Edition:

Includes several new pieces and updates in each section Adds a series of independently authored "boxes" to expand and update information in the current text Addresses the historical development of economics and ecology and the recent progress in integrating the study of humans and the rest of nature Covers the basic concepts and applications of ecological economics in language accessible to a broad audience

An Introduction to Ecological Economics, Second Edition

can be used in an introductory undergraduate or graduate course; requires no prior knowledge of mathematics, economics, or ecology; provides a unified understanding of natural and human-dominated ecosystems; and reintegrates the market economy within society and the rest of nature.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B00U1HDKDQ
• ISBN13: 9781566706841
• Release Date: January 2015
• Publisher: CRC Press
• Length: 356 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Important Framework

If you were browsing in a bookstore and had any interest in this subject, you would most likely buy this book. It provides an important foundation and is for the reader who wants to know the framework of ecological economics -- its origins, its scope (how it is distinct from environmental economics), its uses and its future direction.

An anticipated merge of economics with the environment

Ecological economics is concerned with extending and integrating the study and management of "nature's household" (ecology) and "humankind's household" (economics). Resistance to this new perspective may come from academia as well as industry and governments. On page 10: "Today's market price to polluters for using atmospheric sink capacity for carbon dioxide disposal is zero, although the real opportunity cost may turn out to be astronomical. Economists are almost unanimous in persisting in externalizing the costs of CO2 emissions, even though by 1993 more than 180 nations had signed a treaty to internalize such costs." It would be difficult to praise this book too highly.