Social-Ecological Economic Discussion Papers
Opening-up ideas for critical reflection and debate.
SEE 25/1
What’s Wrong with Degrowth?
Clive L. Spash
Keywords: degrowth, post-growth, doughnut economics, steady-state economics, critical realism, growth imaginary, limits, post-development
Abstract: Is degrowth being sidelined by some of its highest profile populist writers? Are alliances creating problems? Key positions and conflicts are drawn out from plenary speeches at two conferences: Post-Growth 2018 and Beyond Growth 2023. They are analysed to address how compatible are the different perspective of degrowth (Giorgos Kallis), post-growth (Tim Jackson), doughnut (Kate Raworth) and steady-state (Timothy Parrique). Specific issues are then raised: growth imaginary, reality of limits, and planetary boundaries vs. post-development. A way forward is to apply rational judgement in theory choice, realism in conceptualisation, and causal structural analysis to identify potentiality for systems change.
SEE 25/2
The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA): A Critical Appraisal
Tone Smith
Keywords: environmental accounting, ecosystems, radical transformation, monetary valuation
Abstract: The roots of System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) goes back to the 1970s, but its establishment only took off after 1992. Since then SEEA has been implemented in many countries, and parts of the SEEA accounts are now mandatory reporting under EU law. In this article, I present some of its various uses. As I will show, SEEA is at best a mixed blessing, with strong theoretical ties to neoclassical environmental economics and its capital approach to sustainability. Also, the newer extension of SEEA, including ecosystem accounting and their monetary valuation, are unlikely to support an agenda for a radical social-ecological transformation.
SEE 25/3
A Short Introduction to Ecological Economics
Tone Smith
Keywords: Ecological economics, social-ecological economics, limits to growth, degrowth, plural values
Abstract: As the interest in heterodox economic theories increases so does the demand for overview articles presenting these theories. This discussion paper provides a short overview of the most important elements of the field of ecological economics. After a short historical introduction, it presents key concepts, a comparison with environmental economics, different directions within the field, examples of practical application, and finally a short reflection on the future direction.