Rethinking Ecological Economics (en Inglés) - Arild Vatn

Rethinking Ecological Economics aims at developing ecological economics into a coherent professional position. Arild Vatn explores the potential of institutional theory - with its specific understanding of human action and value formation - as the basis for such an endeavor. Economic systems are human constructions and what values are advanced in production and consumption depend on how they are structured. Present institutional structures favor powerful short-term individual interests that endanger the Earth. The book lays the ground for analyzing how long-term common interests can become privileged, and discusses how respecting Earth system boundaries can be ensured through thoroughgoing changes in political and economic institutions.

This book is a vital read for scholars and students of environmental and ecological economics, as well as mainstream and heterodox economists interested in environmental challenges. It is also a beneficial resource for practitioners in environmental management and those active in civil society organizations working on conservational issues.