Ecological economics

(Sustainable development = ecology, economics, social sphere.(SD) - is a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also for generations to come.)

So, what is it ecological economics? Ecological economics is a transdisciplinary field of academic research that aims to address the interdependence and co evolution of human economies and natural ecosystems over time and space. It is distinguished from environmental economics, which is the mainstream economic analysis of the environment, by its treatment of the economy as a subsystem of the ecosystem and its emphasis upon preserving natural capital.

We live in a consumer society; we consider it important to buy products and services. Companies need to be aware of the impact of this on the environment. Many companies use packaging (boxes, bottles) which has been recycled, that is made using old materials. Pollution, such as smoke in the air, can be reduced if companies use trains instead of road transport.

The worst situation nowadays is in China and Japan (extremely fast industrialization not thinking about impacts on environment) followed by Africa (European corporations are setting up harmful for environment plants there – double moral) and Latin America (deforestation, cutting forests). In some countries (Scandinavian) the taxes for environmentally-friendly companies are lower than for the opposite.

The most dangerous environmental threats caused by industries are global warming, oil spills, chemical/nuclear waste, rubbish bin, hole in the ozone layer.

In the next decade environmentalism will be the most important issue for business (global responsibility). As consumers become increasingly concerned about the environment, more and more companies claim to be producing “environmentally- friendly” products especially in well-developed countries (less polluting, recycled, packaging made of biodegradable materials).

TNCs (transnational corporations) are extremely vulnerable to the type of grassroots activities that have blocked the opening up of coastal fisheries to industrial trawlers in India; that have forced industry in the US to stop land filling toxic wastes; and that have put Pepsi, Kentucky Fried Chicken and others on the defensive in India. Therefore, in the case of environmental resistance, another fast growing practice is to set up "fake" grassroots groups with a pro-industry agenda. In PR-speak, "Astro-turf" groups. Through such groups, industry is able to undermine the claims of opponents by claiming a popular mandate for its own position.

Environmentalism is sometimes a part of corporate culture (Patagonia – an outdoor clothing firm (produces clothes from organic materials, jackets from recycled plastic bottles)). Green-marketing strategies make consumers that are aware of ecology loyal to the companies and thus increase the profits. Europeans nowadays prefer to buy artificial fur instead of natural. Broad environmental education teaches consumers that although buying green is more expensive, environmentalism is less taxing on the Earth in the long run, and therefore, on individuals.

Like Patagonia, many companies sponsor or contribute money towards events or activities to maintain their image or to create a new image.

In conclusion I want to add that Ecological economics is positive, in its development of understanding of the physical, biological and social structural and functional relations between economies and natural ecosystems. Ecological economics is also normative in addressing appropriate roles of human economies within natural ecosystems

The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC), aimed at fighting global warming. The Protocol was initially adopted on 11 December 1997 in Kyoto,Japan and entered into force on 16 February 2005. As of July 2010,191 states have signed and ratified the protocol.

Russian oil company Lukoil participate in the development of monitoring, prevention, and emergency recovery systems. In an effort to increase their productivity, Lukoil organized a contract to begin an oil pumping block in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea. They have also developed contingency plans for oil spills, and implemented an environmental monitoring system.