Meets the following requirements: HS   

Ecological economics is the economics of sustainability.  AS such, this emerging discipline represents a paradigmatic shift away from both neo-classical (market) and Marxist economics by making sustainabiity the foremost normative economic criterion.  We start by looking at definitions of sustainability (there are many), then move on to topics such as the biophysical base of economic systems, entropy limitations, industrial ecology, steady-state economics, consumerism and consumption, the precautionary principle, environmental accounting, international aspects, distributive issues, and intergenerational justice and ethics.  Ecological economic concepts are contrasted with neo-classical concepts and the U.S. economy, with an eye toward formulation of effective sustainability policy. 

Level:  Intermediate.  Prerequisite:  one term of introductory economics.  Offered every other year.  *HS*