Ecological economics is an exciting interdisciplinary field of
study that combines insights from the natural sciences, economics,
philosophy and other fields to develop innovative approaches to
environmental problems. It draws on a wide range of analytical
perspectives, some radical others more conventional, to build a
more complete understanding of human-ecosystem interactions.
Current research in the field includes work on nature conservation,
land use planning, pollution control, natural resource management,
and environmental impact assessment/evaluation.
Ecological Economics provides a comprehensive
introduction to the core themes, presented in a clearly structured
style, with chapters tailored specifically to readers without any
economic or philosophical training. There is an emphasis throughout
on the complementary roles of economics, ethics and ecology in
environmental decision-making processes. The book reviews the
evolution of important ideas in the field, explores the fundamental
philosophies underlying different approaches to environmental
problems, explains in detail the specific tools and techniques used
in these approaches, and gives numerous examples of how they can be
applied. Special importance is attached to understanding both the
advantages and limitations of different analyses, in order to
provide a balanced and coherent view of how these different
approaches interrelate and how their roles vary in different
contexts.
Written by three authors specializing in ecology, economics and
philosophy, this textbook provides an excellent introduction to the
field of ecological economics for students in the natural sciences
and other environmental disciplines. It will also be of interest to
a wide range of professionals and researchers involved in
environmental management and policy, and thers including economists
seeking to broaden their knowledge of new methodologies and
approaches. Further reading suggestions and extensive references
are provided for those interested in pursuing particular themes
beyond the introductory level.
* * The first introductory ecological economics text written
specifically for natural scientists.
* Assumes no prior knowledge of economics or philosophy.
* Emphasises the complementary roles of ecology, economics and
ethics in environmental decision-making processes.
* An emphasis on clarity and accessibility throughout.
Table of Content
Preface.
Part I: Foundations for Ecological Economics:.
1. Introduction.
2. A Brief History of Ecological Economic Thought.
3. Economic Principles for Non-economists.
4. Ethics and Environmental Philosophy.
Part II: Value and Valuation Tools:.
5. The Concept of Value.
6. The Economic Approach to Environmental Valuation.
7. The Ecological Approach to Environmental Evaluation.
Part III: Frameworks for Decision-Making:.
8. Cost Benefit Analysis.
9. Environmental Impact Assessment.
10. Multicriteria Appraisal.
11. National Income Accounting.
Part IV: Applications: Theory and Practice:.
12. Resource Harvesting.
13. Nature Conservation.
14. Pollution and Waste.
References.
Index
About the author
Gareth Edwards-Jones has posts as Professor of Agriculture and Land Use in Bangor University, UK and as the Waitrose Professor of Sustainable Agriculture at Aberystwyth University, UK. His works centres on three themes: greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, economics of nature conservation and the economics of disease in the food chain.
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