Our expertise lies in the field of ecological-economics, a trans-discipline that identifies the human economy as a subsystem of the biophysical natural world. As in standard natural resource and environmental economics, we perform analyses and seek solutions predicated on the goal of efficiency--assessing net benefits, avoiding the waste of resources, achieving outcomes by the least-cost approach. But we also add considerations of scale (is the proposed action sustainable?), and justice (is it equitable?) to the mix. To expand on E.F. Schumacher's subtitle to Small is Beautiful, it is economics as if people AND the laws of thermodynamics matter.
We work primarily with non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and abroad, but also with local, state, and national government agencies, as well as multinational organizations and private businesses. With them, we develop and communicate essential information about the critical economic connections between human and natural communities. Our research and program development projects are bespoke, incorporating the right methods and producing key deliverables (reports, workshops, analytical tools) to efficiently address our clients' needs relative to the policy or business challenges they face.
Those methods include ecosystem services assessment, policy analysis, systems modeling, cost-benefit analysis, and strategic program & project development.
We work primarily with non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and abroad, but also with local, state, and national government agencies, as well as multinational organizations and private businesses. With them, we develop and communicate essential information about the critical economic connections between human and natural communities. Our research and program development projects are bespoke, incorporating the right methods and producing key deliverables (reports, workshops, analytical tools) to efficiently address our clients' needs relative to the policy or business challenges they face.
Those methods include ecosystem services assessment, policy analysis, systems modeling, cost-benefit analysis, and strategic program & project development.
Ecosystem SErvices Assessment
Characterizing and quantifying the value of clean air & water, recreational opportunities, climate regulation, and more
Policy Analysis
Bringing economics to environmental policy making & helping citizens' concerns be heard in the process
Systems Modeling
Toward deeper understanding of dynamic relationships among natural and human systems
Cost-Benefit & Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Bringing the full value of nature to bear on policy and economic decisions
Strategic program and project development
Designing and supporting science-based campaigns to improve conservation outcomes and organizational effectiveness