Integrated sustainability policy assessment – an agent-based ecological-economic model

The paper proposes an agent-based evolutionary ecological-economic model that captures the link between the economy and the ecosystem in a more inclusive way than standard economic optimization models do. We argue that an evolutionary approach is required to understand the integrated dynamics of both systems, i.e. micro–macro feedbacks. In the paper, we illustrate that claim by analyzing the non-triviality of finding a sustainability policy mix as a use case for such a coupled system. The model has three characteristics distinguishing it from traditional environmental and resource economic models: (1) it implements a multi-dimensional link between the economic and the ecological system, considering side effects of production, and thus combines the analyses of environmental and resource economics; (2) following literature from biology, it uses a discrete time approach for the biological resource allowing for the whole range of stability regimes instead of artificially stabilizing the system, and (3) it links this resource system to an evolving, agent-based economy (on the basis of a Nelson-Winter model) with bounded rational decision makers instead of the standard optimization model. The policy case illustrates the relevance of the proposed integrated assessment as it delivers some surprising results on the effects of combined and consecutively introduced policies that would go unnoticed in standard models.

Adjustments to the economic assessment of environmental violations

The article highlights a number of scientific and practical issues of methodology for assessing economic damage. Special attention is paid to the damage caused by environmental violations associated with the long-term accumulation of pollution in uncontrolled territories. A number of world and Russian examples of large-scale environmental violations that caused enormous economic damage are given. The necessity of deepening and correcting a number of points in the analysis of ecological-economic and ecological-legal problems of damage assessment is emphasized.

Ecological-economic frame as base for green economy

The article discusses the development of a green economy in the regions of the Far North as the basis for the supporting frame of these territories. At present, interest in the development of a green economy is growing sharply, as evidenced by the reorientation of most of the world’s largest economies towards greening. We examined not only the theoretical aspects of restraining the development of individual elements of the green economy, but also the territory as a whole. It is concluded that for the regions of the Far North, it is necessary to focus on the development, first of all, of an integrated transport, energy and social infrastructure. This article provides a brief overview of the main elements of a green economy that represent the most potential for the northern territories and can serve as a basis for their development.

Beach and Dune Restoration

This new edition - now with Nancy Jackson as a co-author - continues the themes of the first edition: the need to restore the biodiversity, ecosystem health, and ecosystem services provided by coastal landforms and habitats, especially in the light of climate change. The second edition reports on progress made on practices identified in the first edition, presents additional case studies, and addresses new and emerging issues. It analyzes the tradeoffs involved in restoring beaches and dunes - especially on developed coasts - the most effective approaches to use, and how stakeholders can play an active role. The concept of restoration is broad, and includes physical, ecological, economic, social, and ethical principles and ideals. The book will be valuable for coastal scientists, engineers, planners, and managers, as well as shorefront residents. It will also serve as a useful supplementary reference textbook in courses dealing with issues of coastal management and ecology.

Development of Organic Agriculture: Case of Latvia

Agriculture is one of the main sectors which many believe should be sustainable, that is, ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. While conventional agriculture is driven almost solely by productivity and profit, sustainable agriculture integrates biological, chemical, physical, ecological, economic and social sciences in a comprehensive way to develop new farming practices that are safe and do not degrade our environment. Sustainability in rural production system can only be achieved if it can suitably satisfy the local requirement as well as the outside demand with the changing time. This paper reviews the concepts of organic agriculture and examines its development in Latvia.