Economic growth, ecological economics, and wilderness preservation

Abstract

Economic growth is a perennial national goal. Perpetual economic growth and wilderness preservation are mutually exclusive. Wilderness scholarship has not addressed this conflict. The economics profession is unlikely to contribute to resolution, because the neoclassical paradigm holds that there is no limit to economic growth. A corollary of the paradigm is that wilderness can be preserved in a perpetually growing economy. The alternative, ecological economics paradigm faces a formidable struggle for credibility in the policy arena. Wilderness scholars are encouraged to develop research programs that dovetail with ecological economics, and wilderness managers are encouraged to become conversant with macroeconomic policy implications.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 2: Wilderness within the context of larger systems; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Czech, Brian. 2000. Economic growth, ecological economics, and wilderness preservation. In: McCool, Stephen F.; Cole, David N.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference—Volume 2: Wilderness within the context of larger systems; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-2. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 194-200