Seminar Ecosystem Services Ecological Economics and Sustainability

Zielgruppen: Masterprogramm Urbane Systeme • Wirtschaftsingenieur • Technische Logistik (in Absprache mit Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernd Noche) Bemerkung With this seminar we want to close gaps between conceptual outlines of sustainable development, trends in the international discussion of green/ alternative/ urban economies and the actual scientific basis and the findings of the international research community, particularly from the areas of ecological economics, system ecology and the recently emerging sustainability science as well as transition research. The course provides insights into environmental background literature (Holling, Odum and others), but mainly concentrates on an in depth study of the most influential American thinkers of ecological economics (among others Costanza, Daly, Georgescu-Roegen). This is the background for a theoretical discussion of -new ways” in and of socio-economic systems (Steady States, Degrowth, Green New Deal, Qualitative Growth Debate, Energy Economics, Neourban and Regional Economies etc.) alternatively to the dominant perception of neoclassical theories. We try so to offer a scientifically better basis for efforts to enhance sustainability of socioeconomic/ business systems and future technology settings. The seminar puts a spotlight on the concept of -strong sustainability” instead of popular triple bottom line-thinking and thus evaluates -resilience”-oriented concepts against the background of the current eco-efficiency trend. Learning Goal: Provide a scientifically profound basis in order to understand and evaluate currently dominant as well as alternative developments in society, economics and technology, particularly for the urban system background. Prerequisite: Basic understandings in ecology/ environmental science, especially ecosystem theory. Geographie Universität Duisburg-Essen WS 2012/13 WIng M.Sc. MB/EVT, Wirtschaftsingenieur Richtung Maschinenbau (Master, Energie- und Verfahrenstechnik) Dipl.-Umweltwiss. Krumme Klaus Umweltwiss