Erforrásgazdaságtan

Erforrásgazdaságtan, commonly translated as resource economics, is a branch of economics that studies the supply, demand, and allocation of natural resources. It examines how humans use the Earth's limited resources and the economic implications of this usage. This field encompasses a broad range of topics, including the economics of non-renewable resources like fossil fuels and minerals, as well as renewable resources such as forests, fisheries, and water.

Key concerns within resource economics include the sustainability of resource extraction, the management of common-pool resources to prevent overexploitation (the tragedy of the commons), and the role of property rights and government regulation in resource allocation. It also investigates the economic valuation of environmental services, such as clean air and water, and the development of policies to address environmental degradation and pollution.

The field often employs economic modeling to forecast resource depletion, analyze the impact of technological advancements on resource use, and evaluate the effectiveness of various resource management strategies. Resource economics plays a crucial role in informing policy decisions related to energy, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and environmental protection, aiming to balance economic development with the long-term availability and health of natural resources.