What is Ecological Economics?

Ecological economics is an alternative economic model that challenges the current growth-driven system, presenting instead a model that recognizes Earth’s biophysical limits and embodies both social and ecological values.

Among other things, ecological economics calls for:

• ‘Right-sizing’ national economies in order to respect Earth’s need to rest and rejuvenate, and less industrialized countries’ need to develop in sustainable ways.

• Measuring the success of economies not by mindless growth in production and consumption, but by increased human well-being and ecological integrity.

• Creating strong, thriving, interdependent local/regional economies and human communities that are rich in social ties.

• Shifting to a sufficiency-based economy in which the gifts of Earth are shared equitably; everyone has enough and no one has excess.

Our work is organized around A Call to Integrate Faith, Ecology and the Global Economy, a statement created by the Faith-Economy-Ecology-Transformation Working Group, a coalition of faith-based organizations and individuals with which the office is affiliated. Our endorsement of this statement commits us to work for:

• A paradigm shift in mindset and values;

• Public policies for an economy of right relationship;

• An economy of thriving and resilient communities; and

• Return of corporations to their proper place in society.