Abstract:

The aim of the study is to review the literature on the environment in terms of the economic theory. Taking into account the chronology, the article analyses the main views on the role of the environment in economic sciences. Particular schools and research methods were examined. On the basis of the study it might be concluded that in the last decades of the 20^th century environmental economics began to emerge on the grounds of ecological economics and environmental protection is nowadays an important factor affecting the economy.