Complex ecologic-economic dynamics and environmental policy

Various complex dynamics in ecologic-economic systems are presented with an emphasis upon models of global warming dynamics and fishery dynamics. Chaotic and catastrophic dynamic patterns are shown to be possible, along with other complex dynamics arising from non-linearities in such combined systems. Problems associated with amplified oscillations due to these non-linear interactions in the combined interactions of human economic decisionmaking with ecological dynamics are identified and discussed. Implications for policy are examined with strong recommendations for greater emphasis, in particular upon the precautionary principle to avoid catastrophic collapses beyond critical thresholds and the Scale-Matching Principle to ensure that efforts to manage complex non-linear dynamics are directed at the appropriate levers of ecologic-economic interaction. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.