This January 2025, Notre Dame Virtual School will focus on the Ecological Economics as a part of Laudato Si’ and SDG Worldwide Movement.
Ecological Economics and Hope
Ecological Economics addresses the relationships between ecosystems and economic systems in the broadest sense. These relationships are the locus of many of our most pressing current problems (i.e. sustainability, acid rain, global warming, and species extinction.)
Video: WHAT IS ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
DAN O’NEILL (14:47)
What is ecological economics, and how does it differ from mainstream (or neoclassical) economics? Ecological economics began in part as an attempt to bring together ecology and economics – to bridge the gap between a natural and social science. Today it a transdisciplinary field that covers topics from degrowth to the Doughnut of social and planetary boundaries. In this short lecture, I discuss the history, fundamental vision, and modern focus of ecological economics.
[ https://youtu.be/vUF7s4Bp_ok?si=Ew1rLjhh454CE5PC ]
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Dan O’Neill (6:36)
Discuss what struck you the most about “What is Ecological Economics?” and “Neo-Classical Economics vs. Ecological Economics.”
Are the worlds resources limited or unlimited?
The conflict between seeing the world’s resources as limitless verses limited lies in the differing assumptions about availability and sustainability, which lead to distinct behaviors and consequences.
ECONOMIC MODELS:
Limitless View: Economic systems rooted in endless growth assume infinite resources, driving industries to expand production, often ignoring ecological boundaries.
Limited View: This perspective demands a shift towards circular economies, focusing on reusing, recycling, and reducing waste, which can slow down unchecked economic expansion.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
Limitless View: The belief in limitedness resources may ignore environmental degradation, leading to issues like climate change, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity.
Limited View: Advocates of the finite perspective push for policies that mitigate environmental harm and prioritize long-term ecosystem health.
1) What recent news events illustrate these perspectives?
2) What global groups have spoken out with hope and mercy?
3) Have you ever thought about living with limited or unlimited world view?
Ponder Jesus’ call to live in abundance: “I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly” is a Bible verse from John 10:10. The term “abundant life” refers to a life that is full of joy and strength for the spirit, soul, and body.
Two additional resource sites:
[ http://www.laudatosiplatform.org ]
[ https://www.sowinghopefortheplanet.org/ ]
