Economia ecológica: uma possível referência para o desenho de sistemas humanos realmente sustentáveis

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Authors: Clóvis Cavalcanti
Cited by: 0

Abstract

In the prevailing model of the typical economist, the economy is seen as an isolated system, without an environment, ignoring the ecosystem, the biophysical framework of the real economic system. It ignores the importance of happiness for social life as well. In fact, people are mainly looking to be happy. What would reality be if the motto, instead of accelerating economic growth, was to accelerate happiness? Of course, one must look at the economic system from another perspective, not as an isolated system, but as an open system with inputs and outputs of matter and energy. It is exactly here that a new field of work, Ecological Economics, emerges. The Laws of Thermodynamics have in it a decisive meaning, in the same way as the pursuit of human happiness. The question is about explaining how the desirable (happiness) fits within the limits of the possible (nature). Sustainability has to do with that. But it is only accomplished with the cement of affection.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Social and Economic Solidarity Environmental Sustainability and Education

Publication details

Journal / source
Redes
Volume
22
Issue
2
Pages
56–69
Publication date
17 August 2026
Language
EN