Conclusion

Arild Vatn

Chapter 16 in Rethinking Ecological Economics, 2026, pp 275-282 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter summarizes the main arguments of the book. It recapitulates what is seen as the main elements to be included to make ecological economics a discipline: seeing the economy as a humanly constructed system for provisioning; being anchored in a distinct set of values; having a clarified philosophical foundation; focusing on the economic process as metabolic; and understanding human action as institutionally sensitive. A formalized comparison to the neoclassical position is undertaken as a tool to further clarify the position. There is an urgent need for transforming the dominant economic system. The chapter advocates identifying points where changes can be made that (a) have high legitimacy today and (b) have the capacity to create productive domino effects that can gain strong momentum. Ecological economists should take responsibility for the further development of ideas for successful transformation. This also demands engagement in societal dialogue.

Keywords: Sustainability; Ecological economics as a discipline; Neoclassical economics; Transformation; Institutional theory; Economic structures (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781803921839
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