Ecological Economics: An Introduction

Assuming no prior knowledge of economics, this textbook is intended for interdisciplinary environmental science and management courses. The authors, who have written extensively on the economics of sustainability, combine insights from mainstream economics as well as ecological sciences. Part I explores the interdependence of the modern economy and its environment, while Part II focuses mainly on the economy and on economics. Part III reviews how national governments set policy targets and the instruments used to pursue those targets. Part IV examines international trade and institutions, and two major global threats to sustainability - climate change and biodiversity loss.

Michael Common is Emeritus Professor at the Graduate School of Environmental Studies, University of Strathclyde and a member of the editorial board of the journal Ecological Economics. He is highly respected both for his teaching and as author of numerous journal and book publications on the economics of the environment since 1973.

Sigrid Stagl is Lecturer in Ecological Economics at the School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds. She is a member of the editorial board of the journal Environmental Values and is currently Vice-President of the European Society of Ecological Economics.