Ecological Economics is Economics as if Ecology really matters

Ecological Economics is concerned with extending and integrating the study and management of 'nature's household' (ecology) and 'human's household' (economics). This integration is necessary because the conceptual and professional isolation of these two disciplines has led to environmental and economic policies that are in the long term mutually destructive, rather than reinforcing.

Ecological economics is transdisciplinary in spirit and methodologically open.

The endeavour of ecological economics is supported by the International Society for Ecological Economics (ISEE), which is a non-profit organisation established in 1988. It now has over 1200 members in 60 countries, and publishes the highly rated research journal 'Ecological Economics'.

Ecological economics has a number of different analytical approaches and paradigms. These range from biophysical analyses (industrial metabolism, energy and material flow analysis) to neoclassical analysis (cost-benefit analysis, non-market valuation) to social and institutional analysis (social trap analysis, discourse analysis).

NZCEE's approach is not to be dogmatic about the correctness of any one of these paradigms, but instead to adopt a pluralistic approach. This methodology acknowledges that different insights and information can be gained from a range of approaches that ultimately lead to a more 'complete' picture of economy-environment interactions.

NZCEE draws on research in the areas of Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Systems, Ecological Economics and Systems Dynamics.