Blackwell Reference Online

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The biospheric economy overarches the human economy. This means that ecology and economics – now separated in universities by disciplinary boundaries – must be studied together, and in full relationship. This is important not only for sustainability, but also for restoration – which means putting back together what has been broken. Pollution, deforestation, and overfishing are no longer defensible. Human economics that does not respect and work within the economy of the Biosphere economics that result in losses, not gains must be transformed toward sustainability. Technology and the market must be appropriate in ways that respect the need for sustainability of the Biosphere. Human beings everywhere receive the gifts of creation – the ecosystem services upon which they and all life depend. They also must be stewards of the creation – stewards who give back gratefully in response for the gifts they receive.From within the magnificently woven and intricate fabric that envelops Earth calls a human and humane voice, “Mind Earth's economy.” Another voice – a still small voice, everywhere present but unheard in the hustle and bustle of traffic in sea, land, and air, announces in a clear, penetrating, and convicting voice, “This Earth and its economy is all mine.” The first is the voice of the Steward, the second the proclamation of the Economist.It is a cold evening as I write, with the ... log in or subscribe to read full text