THE GENESIS AND EVOLUTION OF THE THEORETICAL DISCOURSE OF ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS

The article examines key trends and challenges in the modern global economy. Over the last four decades, structural changes have profoundly impacted industries and economic relations, emphasizing a growing divide between advanced and developing nations. This gap exacerbates existing inequalities, with developed countries often reaping more benefits from globalization, while developing nations face difficulties in keeping up. One of the most significant drivers of these transformations is the rapid pace of technological advancement. New industries and economic models have emerged, making innovation and digitalization central to modern economies. These changes are reshaping production methods, resource allocation, and labor structures, effectively marking a new industrial revolution and pushing even traditionally slow-to-adapt sectors to evolve rapidly. Simultaneously, the global economy faces increasing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. The difficulty of achieving a lasting balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability is becoming more pressing. Without addressing these issues, economic systems risk further destabilization, deepening environmental crises and threatening long-term global stability. Given these intertwined challenges, there is a growing need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of the relationship between economic activities, social processes, and the natural environment. It has been emphasized that ecological economics, which integrates environmental concerns into economic theory, offers a valuable framework for understanding how to manage economic growth without exceeding the planet’s ecological limits. Future research and policy should not only address current challenges but also anticipate new approaches to resource management and ecological preservation. These approaches might include transitioning to circular economies, expanding the adoption of green technologies, and prioritizing renewable energy sources. In this context authors believe that it is crucial for policymakers, businesses, and civil society to collaborate in shaping new economic models that prioritize both human and environmental well-being. Only through such joint efforts can we hope to achieve sustainable economic growth that aligns with the planet's ecological boundaries, ensuring a stable future for generations to come.