An Introduction to Ecological Economics - Hardcover

"... summarises the ‘state of the art’ in the discipline. ...The ecological threats posed by the modern market system and its use of advertising to promote consumption are extensively discussed. ... a useful handbook."
―South African Journal of Science, November/December 2015

"... a useful transdisciplinary lens through which to view and understand stubborn global problems of inequity, environmental degradation and declining well-being. It challenges the traditional use of GDP as a metric of progress and argues for an approach more in tune with the challenges of the 21st Century , one that builds and values stronger socio-ecological systems as the only way of ensuring transformative change for all in an increasingly full world."
―Dr. Debra Roberts, Ethekwini Municipality, Durban South Africa

"... a unique tool to approach issues that are vital for the future of the planet and of our societies. It is a fundamental book to deeply understand the complexity of the issues at stake, as well as the need to connect multiple disciplines to find the right policy solutions to today and tomorrow challenges."
―Enrico Giovannini, University of Rome "Tor Vergata"

"This book addresseses the most important problems facing both people and planet, and challenges conventional thinking. It is essential reading for anybody who wants to understand the connections between wellbeing and environmental sustainability, and how to envision a better future for us all."
―Kate Pickett, The University of York

"Coming from the people who, more than anyone else, have pioneered and developed the subject, this book is much more than an introduction to ecological economics. It provides a through grounding in a field that that should be becoming central to modern political and economic policy and thinking."
―Richard Wilkinson, Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology

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.

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.

• 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.