An introduction to the field of ecological economics. It provides an understanding of natural and human-dominated ecosystems and reintegrates market economics within the limits posed by the biophysical world. It addresses such topics as the historical development of economics and ecology and motivation for incorporating humans into ecosystems.

This completely revised and updated second edition integrates the study and management of humans and the rest of nature. It provides a unified understanding of natural and human-dominated ecosystems and reintegrates the market economy within society and the rest of nature. The new edition adds a series of "boxes" to expand and update information in the current text and addresses such topical issues common asset trusts, payment for ecosystem services, and alternatives to GDP.

"? summarises the 'state of the art' in the discipline. ?The ecological threats posed by the modern market system and its use of advertising to promote consumption are extensively discussed. ? a useful handbook."-South African Journal of Science, November/December 2015 "? a useful transdisciplinary lens through which to view and understand stubborn global problems of inequity, environmental degradation and declining well-being. It challenges the traditional use of GDP as a metric of progress and argues for an approach more in tune with the challenges of the 21st Century , one that builds and values stronger socio-ecological systems as the only way of ensuring transformative change for all in an increasingly full world."-Dr. Debra Roberts, Ethekwini Municipality, Durban South Africa"? a unique tool to approach issues that are vital for the future of the planet and of our societies. It is a fundamental book to deeply understand the complexity of the issues at stake, as well as the need to connect multiple disciplines to find the right policy solutions to today and tomorrow challenges."-Enrico Giovannini, University of Rome "Tor Vergata""This book addresseses the most important problems facing both people and planet, and challenges conventional thinking. It is essential reading for anybody who wants to understand the connections between wellbeing and environmental sustainability, and how to envision a better future for us all."-Kate Pickett, The University of York"Coming from the people who, more than anyone else, have pioneered and developed the subject, this book is much more than an introduction to ecological economics. It provides a through grounding in a field that that should be becoming central to modern political and economic policy and thinking."-Richard Wilkinson, Emeritus Professor of Social Epidemiology