ABSTRACT
In social economics, the economy is understood as an open-system relationship with nature, or more broadly, the biosphere, which is a closed system. This recognition has led to the development of ecological economics, a field of study which in addition to social economic insights also covers inputs from institutional and Post Keynesian economics. The Post Keynesian distinction between risk and uncertainty is crucial for ecological economics. Engagement with nature through civic activism, recreation, and financial support, points at the third form of greening the quality of life. About 3.5 million Dutch people are members of environmental non-profit organisations, ranging from Greenpeace to provincial conservation associations and the Dutch branch of the World Wildlife Fund. Environmental economics is the field in neoclassical economics which studies the possibilities and constraints required so that economic growth will have less environmental impact. It understands the relationship between the economy and the natural environment in terms of inadequate pricing.
