This comprehensive Dictionary brings together an extensive range of definitive terms in ecological economics. Assembling contributions from distinguished scholars, it provides an intellectual map to this evolving subject ranging from the practical to the philosophical.

Keywords: ecological economics; ecological economics history; ecological economics terms and definitions; ecological economics methods
Ecology: the entire spectrum of biotic and abiotic elements and conditions in the natural world surrounding and affecting an organism. Includes land, soil, water, air, climate, plants, and animals. May be used in a narrow sense: “the harsh Arctic environment is inhospitable to most plant life”; or in a broad sense: “reducing fossil fuel use is crucial for protecting the global environment.”

Economics: all the cultural and social conditions that influence the life of an individual, firm, or community; for example: (1) the work environment: the physical, social, cultural, and political conditions in places of employment; (2) the built environment: the physical conditions of factories, offices, homes, schools, and other structures; and (3) the business environment: the internal and external forces and conditions that affect the functioning of businesses, including market conditions and government policies.