Ecolonomics is a term coined in 1993 by Dennis Weaver, the founder of the Institute of Ecolonomics, based on his conviction that a truly sustainable future requires a healthy environment and a prosperous economy. Dennis has long believed that the key to realizing both is mutual cooperation.

A Growing Problem

A simple definition of the problem is that humanity must learn to live off earth’s interest without encroaching on its’ capital.This is of course a fairly simple way of looking at the problem through an economic comparison. The world we live in today is dealing with many issues that past generations have not been faced with.

Since the end of WWII one of the primary concerns of world governments was an all out nuclear war between the super powers. With the fall of the Soviet Union and the ending of the cold war between the U.S. and USSR governments have been able to take a closer look at other problems that have the potential to affect the earth’s population in potentially devastating ways. Although, many of the problems are the same as concerns faced by some nations in the past, such as the need for fresh water, food and clean air, many feel that the earth’s natural systems are being significantly impaired due to the continued exponential growth of the world’s population. Many of the ecological and environmental problems are not being managed in a way that is conducive to the continued growth of the world’s population.

A Balanced Solution

The ideas of Ecolonomics call for decent, equitable living within the means of earth’s natural systems. Living beyond ecosystems natural ability to renew itself will, undoubtedly, lead to the destruction the ecosystems on which we depend. Lack of natural resources and choosing not to live within the carrying capacity of a regions ecological ability to renew itself will cause conflict and degrade our social fabric.

A Shrinking World

Today the ideas of Ecolonomics are an issue from which no nation, state or region is immune. The seriousness of the problem has been debated by pessimists and optimists alike. The argument also encompasses how soon and how drastic the actions taken should be. The incredibly difficult task of finding balance between the economic development and the need for environmental protection taxes all governments and international organizations.

Various industrial and governmental leaders have argued that economic development and continued economic growth will be inhibited by implementation of sustainable practices, however, there is no reason to believe that long term economic growth will be adversely affected by environmental policies and, indeed, growth could even be enhanced as new technologies are explored. Overall, economic growth and development are perfectly consistent with environmental protection.

In order for the needed Ecolonomic Paradigm shift to be realized it must be understood that a thriving economy is paramount in a sustainable way to reduce poverty and sustainable poverty reduction is a necessary condition for sustainable economic development.