Ecological Economics is about the interaction between humans and the environment via the economy. It starts from the premise that the economy is limited by the constraint of our planet's finite resources. It rejects the mainstream economics goal of continued economic growth and proposes instead a steady state economy.

Thursday 31 October 2013

What is wrong with our cutlure?

Another very thought provoking video related to Ecological economics. Alan Watts was a philosopher and writer who wrote numerous books which helped to explain Eastern philosophies to western audiences. Thank you Carlos for sending this to me.

Tuesday 15 October 2013

Debate about the role of markets. Michael Sandel and Michael Porter

A very interesting debate about the role of markets in our society between two Harvard Professors - one a Political philospher and one a Business professor. It is worth watching the talks by each of the professors given before this debate. Michael Sandel: Why we shouldn't trust markets with our civic life. Michael Porter: Why business can be good at solving social problems. Watch out for the comment about businesses creating resources!!

Pyramids of Waste - Planned obsolescence documentary

Here is a fascinating history of planned obsolescence and how it influences our behaviour today. Thank you Jasmine for sending this to me.

Thursday 10 October 2013

The Century of Self - Episode 1 Happiness Machines

This is the first episode of the BBC award winning series "The Century of Self" which I mentioned in class. After watching, you can view the rest of the series by clicking on the relevant tabs at the top of this page. It is a fascinating series which is highly relevant to your Ecological Economics studies. Thank you, Richard, for bringing it to my attention.

The Story of Solutions

Here is the Story of Solutions film which came out last week. I really encourage you to watch this and other films in the Story of stuff series (www.storyofstuff.org). Critically consider the ideas.

Wednesday 25 September 2013

The Story of Stuff

Welcome to my new Year 1 students. If you have never seen this short film then it is a very good opportunity to familiarise yourself with the key issues covered by Ecological Economics in 20 mins. Please do watch it and make any comments below. We will be discussing it in class