The Ecological Economics: retrospects, differences and prospectsi

The field now recognized as Ecological Economics emerged in the late 1980s, with
AnnMari Jansson, Joan Martinez-Alier, and Robert Costanza being among its founding
authors. This interdisciplinary field incorporates elements from economics, ecology,
social sciences, and philosophy, particularly ethics. Themes akin to ecological
economics can be found in the works of classical economists such as Thomas Malthus
and John Stuart Mill. However, its roots trace back further, the first-generation
proponents including Holling, Ayres, and Kneese; Georgescu-Roegen and Odum, who
were influenced by post-World War II debates on growth, development, and their
impacts (Özkaynak et al., 2012).

Ecological Economics has been successful in attracting new researchers and

distinguishing itself from traditional environmental and resource economics. In contrast
to the traditional approach, which focuses on optimal allocation, externalities,
efficiency, and short-term monetary indicators, ecological economics emphasizes
multidimensional evaluation, sustainability, distribution, and equity (Ven Den Bergh,
2000).

Despite its advancements, there's no consensus among researchers regarding the

methodology and paradigm of Ecological Economics. Some scholars focus on modeling
the interrelationships between ecological and economic systems with an objective and
technical viewpoint, while others view ecological economics not merely as a field but as
a distinct paradigm within environmental studies.

According to Özkaynak et al. (2012), Ecological Economics places analysis within

thermodynamic and coevolutionary frameworks, incorporating post-normal science,
procedural rationality, and deliberative institutions to manage uncertainty and
complexity. This approach highlights the importance of the precautionary principle in
sustainable development and environmental ethics. However, there's disagreement in the
literature about the role of post-normal science, with some scholars emphasizing the
field's grounding in physical reality and biophysical principles derived from the Laws of
Thermodynamics.
Moreover, there's recognition within ecological economics of the need to integrate
indigenous knowledge and traditional wisdom, challenging the modern tendency to
overlook multidimensional perspectives.

Continuing with the difference of traditional environmental and resource economics

against Ecological Economic, Ven Den Bergh 2000 emphasizes the importance of
further collaboration of researchers in this field to create a new paradigm. In light of
these discussions, Özkaynak et al. (2012) propose three interconnected principles for
Ecological Economics: recognizing the relationship between the laws of
thermodynamics and ecosystem resilience, adopting a coevolutionary perspective, and
devising strategies to effectively manage complexity and uncertainty. These principles
offer a pathway for Ecological Economics to evolve into a cohesive and impactful
discipline, capable of addressing the complex challenges facing society and the
environment in the 21st century.
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Caren Freitas de Lima

REFERENCES

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de Ciências Sociais, 2005.
ÖZAYNAK, B., Adaman, F. and P. Devine. 2012. The identity of ecological economics: retrospects and
prospects. Cambridge Journal of Economics 36: 1123–1142.doi:10.1093/cje/bes021.
SAES, Beatriz Macchione; ROMEIRO, Ademar Ribeiro. O debate metodológico na economia ecológica:
indefinição ou pluralismo?. Nova Economia, v. 28, p. 127-153, 2018.
VAN DEN VERGH, J. 2001. Ecological economics: Themes, approaches, and differences withenvironmental
economics. Regional Environmental Change 2: 13-23.