Problem-Based Learning in Ecological Economics

1. Problem-Based Learning in Ecological Economics Jon D. Erickson Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Vermont

2. Problem-Based Learning inEcological Economics • What does an ecological economist do? • What approach does the ecological economist take? • How do we train the ecological economist? • How can the ecological economist change the world?

3. The ecological economistsolves problems • Problems that are complex • Feedbacks • Non-linear • Emergent properties • Surprise • Chaotic behavior

4. The ecological economistsolves problems • Problems not suitable for experimentation or repeatable scientific observation

5. The ecological economistsolves problems • Problems where data and ‘facts’ are scarce and uncertain

6. The ecological economistsolves problems • Problems where there is rarely a ‘right’ answer

7. The ecological economistsolves problems • Problems where the stakes are high, and decisions are urgent.

8. To solve problems, the ecological economist is a trans-disciplinarian • Abandoning academic autism • Autism, a disorder characterized by: • Absorption in self-centered subjective mental activity (such as daydreams, fantasies, delusions, and hallucinations) • Marked deficits in communication and social interaction • Marked withdrawal from reality • Abnormal behavior, such as . . . excessive attachment to certain objects

9. To solve problems, the ecological economist is a trans-disciplinarian • Complementing disciplines • Expanding role of non-scientist • Problem defines methods

10. To solve problems, the ecological economist is a systems thinker • Today’s problems come from yesterday’s “solutions”. • The harder you push, the harder a system pushes back. • Behavior grows better before it grows worse. • The easy way out usually leads back in. • The cure can be worse than the disease. • Faster is slower. • Cause and effect are not closely related in time and space. Peter Senge, The Fifth Discipline

11. To solve problems, the ecological economist is a systems thinker • Small changes can produce big results – but the areas of highest leverage are often the least obvious. • You can have your cake and eat it too – but not all at once. • Dividing an elephant in half does not produce two small elephants. • There is no blame. Peter Senge, The Fifth Discipline

12. To solve problems, the ecological economist practices . . . • Analysis • Synthesis • Communication

13. To learn problem-solving, the ecological economist works on problems

14. To learn problem-solving, the ecological economist works on problems • Vermont GPI

15. Burlington Quality of Life % responding very important

16. Forest Resource Values

17. Winter Sport Culture, Community, and Economy Maine Winter Sports Center Mission: Reestablish skiing as a lifestyle in Maine. Leverage that lifestyle to create a new economic model for rural, isolated communities of Maine, and create opportunities for the youth of Maine.

18. To change the world, the ecological economist finds and uses leverage

19. To change the world, the ecological economist finds and uses leverage 9. Numbers 8. Material Stocks and Flows 7. Regulating Negative Feedback Loops 6. Driving Positive Feedback Loops 5. Information Flows 4. The Rules of the System 3. The Power of Self Organization 2. The Goals of the System Donella Meadows, Places to Intervene in a System

20. To change the world, the ecological economist finds and uses leverage 1. The mindset or paradigm out of which the goals, rules, and feedback structure arises Ecological Economics

21. Problem-Based Learning inEcological Economics • What does an ecological economist do? • What approach does the ecological economist take? • How do we train the ecological economist? • How can the ecological economist change the world?