Environmental problems and their local, national, and global solutions have taken on ever-increasing importance in today's world. Economic analysis of environmental problems is essential, but economic perspectives must be complemented with an understanding of the principles of ecological systems. [This book] offers an introduction to the broad perspective of ecological economics together with standard economic theory. The text covers traditional environmental economics topics, including the microeconomic analysis of resources and issues of resource allocation; at the same time, it presents an ecological perspective within a global context, discussing such issues as population growth, global climate change, species loss, trade and the environment, and sustainable development. -Back cover.