The Emergence of Ecological Modernisation: Integrating the Environment and the Economy?

This book focuses on the attempts to "green" economies in advanced industrial societies, from the early debates of the 1970s through the new approach which has emerged in this decade. The essence of this approach, encapsulated in the phrase, "ecological modernisation", is that giving more attention to the environment enhaces economic growth because increased environmental protection creates conditions that are conducive to long-term growth. Tackling pollution and steering resources towards improving environmental conditions thus provides a stepping stone to a different kind of economic growth. The book draws from original research to analyze ecological modernisation, its nature and the extent of its impact. Linking empirical work with the theoretical, three additional chapters which look at the connections to modernity, the use of economic instruments, and models of state/market relations as seen from different schools of political thought.