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Ecological Economics: Themes, Approaches, and Differences with Environmental Economics

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  • Jeroen C.J.M. van den Bergh

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Abstract

This provides a short overview of the main themes of ecological economics (EE). It isargued that EE provides a platform that fosters multidisciplinary environmental research bybringing together the core contributing disciplines economics and ecology. In addition, EE isregarded as a pluralistic approach to environmental research that can be set opposite to, and hasindeed developed as a response to, traditional environmental and resource economics. Acomparison of the two fields is presented to clarify the essential differences between them. Inaddition, specific themes are examined in more detail. These include: sustainable development;the growth debate; international trade; dynamic processes; and behaviour and policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeroen C.J.M. van den Bergh, 2000. "Ecological Economics: Themes, Approaches, and Differences with Environmental Economics," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 00-080/3, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20000080
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    Cited by:

    1. Cordier, Mateo & Pérez Agúndez, José A. & O'Connor, Martin & Rochette, Sébastien & Hecq, Walter, 2011. "Quantification of interdependencies between economic systems and ecosystem services: An input-output model applied to the Seine estuary," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 70(9), pages 1660-1671, July.
    2. Jiřina Jílková & Lenka Slavíková, 2009. "Ekonomie životního prostředí na rozcestí [Economics of the Environmental Protection on the Crossroad]," Politická ekonomie, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2009(5), pages 660-676.
    3. Lydia Illge & Reimund Schwarze, 2006. "A Matter of Opinion: How Ecological and Neoclassical Environmental Economists Think about Sustainability and Economics," Discussion Papers of DIW Berlin 619, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
    4. Erik Gawel & Kristina Bernsen, 2013. "What is Wrong with Virtual Water Trading? On the Limitations of the Virtual Water Concept," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 31(1), pages 168-181, February.
    5. Illge, Lydia & Schwarze, Reimund, 2009. "A matter of opinion--How ecological and neoclassical environmental economists and think about sustainability and economics," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 68(3), pages 594-604, January.
    6. Andrade, André luiz, 2010. "Un analisis de la relacion entre economía, energía y medio ambiente [An analysis of the relationship between economy, energy and environment]," MPRA Paper 28744, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    Comparison; Environmental policy; Growth debate; Individual behaviour; International trade; Multilevel dynamics;
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