Economies are open systems embedded in an ecosystem with which they exchange matter and energy. Interactions among these systems are vital for each system's performance and are constrained by the laws of physics. This volume pays tribute to economy--environment interactions simultaneously from an economic, ecological and physical perspective. Integrating Economics, Ecology and Thermodynamics provides a first step in identifying and combining the principles of economics, ecology and thermodynamics on a fundamental level. Part I lays out the general context for the approach chosen. Part II familiarizes readers with core concepts of, and methods used in, the three disciplines of economics, ecology and thermodynamics. Part III assesses ways in which these disciplines can be integrated to provide an improved understanding of economy--environment interactions. Part IV illustrates the integration of the three disciplines with a dynamic model of a human community interacting with its environment. In Part V the volume closes with a brief summary and a set of conclusions on the relevance of integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to economy--environment interactions.

Holistic in approach and rooted in the real world Ecological Economics and Industrial Ecology presents a new way of looking at environmental policy; exploring the relationship between ecological economics and industrial ecology.Concentrating on the conceptual background of ecological economics and industrial ecology, this book:provides a selection

Drawing on both economics and ecology, this book offers telling insights into the confusing "jobs versus environment" debates as well as charts a recommended path towards a more co-habitable relationship. Avoiding the extreme views that economic growth will either destroy or save our natural environment, this book takes a more discriminating stance and illuminates why our nation’s natural environment is both better and worse than forty years ago.

This volume develops a synthesized interpretation of ecological economics integrating different levels; (economic) system, (business) practice and the (economic) actor. It discusses how changes on a systems level are connected to changes in practise and development of individual consciousness. Transformative Ecological Economics delves into the insight and knowledge from different sources of inspiration (Thermodynamics, Darwinism, Anthroposophy and Buddhism) as well as into an integrated story describing and illustrating the core ideas, principles and values which characterize a utopian society anchored in ecological economics.

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.

This book focuses on modelling in ecological economics and offers a comprehensive overview of current and emerging methods of applying mathematical, computational and conceptual methods to environmental issues. Following a detailed introduction, the authors investigate various modelling techniques including: * evolutionary modelling * input-output modelling * neo-Austrian modelling * entropy in ecological economics * thermodynamic models * multi-criteria evaluation * agent-based modelling * the environmental Kuznets curve.

Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen deserves to be called the father of ecological economics. This book connects Georgescu-Roegen's earlier work such as consumer choice theory and a critique of Leontief's dynamic model, with his later ambitious attempt to reformulate the economic process as 'bioeconomics', a theoretical alternative to neoclassical economics.

This volume uses historical epistemology in order to address several topics in the history of economic thought, with special emphasis on ecological economics, environmental metaphors of scarcity, and mathematical ecology. Using the field of ecological economics as an anchor point, the author reflects on the styles of reasoning in economics with a view towards understanding the nature of disagreement that stems from a failure of communication between rival approaches in economics. A thorough inquiry into issues related to identity, coherence, pluralism, and reception, this volume will appeal to researchers and students interested in history of economic thought, ecological economics, and philosophy of the sciences.

Patterson (New Zealand Centre for Ecological Economics, Massey U., New Zealand) and Glavovic (School of People, Environment and Planning at Massey U.) aim to help establish an ecological economics of the oceans and coasts by presenting 15 papers that addr

This book examines ways of assessing the rational management of nonrenewable resources. Integrating numerous methods, it systematically exposes the strengths of exergy analysis in resources management. Divided into two parts, the first section provides the theoretical background to assessment methods, while the second section provides practical application examples. The topics covered in detail include the theory of exergy cost and thermo-ecological cost, cumulative calculus and life cycle evaluation. This book serves as a valuable resource for researchers looking to investigate a range of advanced thermodynamic assessments of the influence of production processes on the depletion of nonrenewable resources.