This research area addresses the complex interplay between economics, human welfare and the environment. Whilst acknowledging the usefulness of traditional accounting tools, ecological economics seeks to extend the debate about value and the environment beyond conventional monetary techniques. The work in this area has grown rapidly around three main axes.

Firstly, the group has been closely involved with the national and international climate policy process. A significant research effort has focused on the so-called ‘flexibility mechanisms’ of the Kyoto Protocol: emissions trading, joint implementation and the clean development mechanism.

Secondly, the group has made ground-breaking contributions to debates about economic growth and progress towards sustainable development. A ten year programme of work on alternative economic indicators has culminated in the publication in March 2004 of the first UK Measure of Domestic Progress (MDP) – an alternative to GDP – in collaboration with the New Economics Foundation.

Finally, the group has contributed substantially to national and international debates on sustainable consumption. Work in this area includes economic analyses of consumption patterns as well as social-psychological explorations of consumer behaviour.

See a description of the recent projects the group has undertaken.

Contact:

Professor Tim Jackson - T.Jackson@surrey.ac.uk