This month we’re joined by guest editor Dr. Michelle Maloney, for a special focus on ecological economics (EE). EE directly challenges the growth-paradigm of neo-classical economics, and although, as a field of research and inquiry, it has fragmented into a range of different approaches and techniques since it began to gain traction in the 1970s, ecological economics and, in particular, ‘steady state economics’ is still one of the most rigorous alternatives to neoliberal economics.
This month’s focus on EE includes an introduction to the Steady State Economy by UNSW Professor Mark Diesendorf; an overview of population issues within the context of ecological economics by environmental scientist and member of CASSE NSW, Dr Haydn Washington (UNSW); and a fascinating proposal for a new way of measuring economic activity by scholar and practitioner Steven Liaros. Also featured is an overview of the fantastic line up of speakers at this year’s ANZSEE (Australia New Zealand Society for Ecological Economics) Conference by Associate Professor at RMIT, Anitra Nelson. NENA is an official sponsor of the 2019 ANZSEE Conference, and we’re looking forward to an excellent 2 days of discussions at the event, which is called “Ecological Economics – Solutions Now and in the Future” (25-26 November, at RMIT, Melbourne)
As always, we hope you disagree with some, take hope from others, and learn from all about how we can build a new, just and sustainable economy.
In the 1970s and 1980s a few neoclassical economists began to realise that their discipline had failed to explain the origin of environmental pollution and how to mitigate it. Even when markets were operating well, industries were continuing to pollute. The fundamental problem was, and remains, that neoclassical economics is...
Introduction We need to ask ourselves some questions. Is there an upper limit to human numbers and human consumption? Can our economy keep growing forever? Should we just deny such difficult issues, and keep walking towards the abyss of societal and ecosystem collapse?[1] After 40 years as an environmental scientist...
Any approach we adopt for measuring economic activity should have a meaningful and useful underlying objective, such as to improve human health and well-being or the encouragement of activities that improve the health of natural systems. Indeed human health and environmental health are intimately interconnected. The acknowledgement that humans are...
There is a reason why we immerse ourselves in nature on holidays; a reason why, as kids, we spent hours at the local creek gawking at the bugs. Nature relaxes and reinvigorates us. It captures our imagination and curiosity. I believe that connection with our natural world is innate in...
ANZSEE 2019 Conference Ecological Economics: Solutions Now and in the Future 24–26 November 2019 RMIT University, Melbourne Worried about our future on a planet where humans already use around 75% more of Earth’s resources than the planet is capable of regenerating? Then the ANZSEE 2019 Conference 'Ecological Economics: Solutions Now...
In my previous article I presented a picture of the threefold social organism, focussing on the meaning and creative function of capital. An associative economy, as Rudolf Steiner describes it, can come about when the three spheres – the economic, the cultural-spiritual and the political-legal – are consciously articulated, each...
Rising dramatically from the plains below These sacred pinnacles have drawn us here Fire in Earth’s belly and ancient eruptions Birthed the spectacle that stands before us Once lava plugs inside volcanic cones Eroded by time and wind and rain The majesty of nature stands revealed For generations, people lived...
This is the final chapter in a 4-part series (read part 1, part 2 and part 3) telling the story of Mick Crear’s decision to leave his job, and all the baggage that came with it, to pursue a simpler, richer life as a permaculturist cycling around Australia. After having...
