Energy & Economics
Since its inception, economics has treated Earth as a limitless source of resources that could be exploited, at no cost, to generate profit. Since the mid-20th century, a few independent economists have braved the scorn of their lockstepping peers to point out that (1) costs of exploiting natural resources are not negligible, even if they're not paid by the exploiter, and (2) resources are not limitless. See also Ecology.
Economist Robert Ayres notes that growth ≠ progress, and concludes that "it is possible to have economic growth—in the sense of providing better and more valuable services to ultimate consumers—without necessarily consuming more physical resources." Relevant links:
Economic Growth (and Cheap Oil), June 2005 (PDF file)
Exergy, Power, and Work in the U.S. Economy, Dec 2001 (PDF file)
Discussion and analysis of Ayres-Warr Economic Model at The Oil Drum, May 2009
The Wealth of Nature: John Michael Greer points out the shortcomings of traditional economic precepts that assume unlimited, free access to natural resources.
The Need to Reintegrate the Natural Sciences with Economics: Charles Hall and colleagues, August 2001 (PDF file).
Failed Growth Economy to a Steady-State Economy: Proposal by economist Herman Daly (The Oil Drum, June 2009) to radically revamp the economy. 10 proposals, actually, and many folks think they aren't nearly radical enough (see this comment in The Oil Drum discussion). Current financial activity in Washington suggests that none of the 10 will be embraced any time soon.
A Steady-State Economy: April 2008 paper by Professor Daly along the same lines.