Career
Victor began his academic career as a lecturer in economics at the University of Kent at Canterbury between 1970 and 1973. From 1975 to 1991, he was an adjunct associate professor at York University and between 1978 and 1984 a research associate at the Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Toronto. In 1996, he was appointed dean and full professor in environmental studies at York University. Since 2017, he has been an emeritus professor there.
Victor also has extensive administrative and professional experience. He was a senior economist at the Ontario Ministry of the Environment between 1973 and 1977. Additionally, he was the principal of Victor & Burrell Research from 1979 to 1985. From 1985 to 1987, he was Renewable Energy (Biomass) Advisor to the Kenya Ministry of Energy and Regional Development. He returned to lead VHB Consulting. From 1991 to 1996, he was an assistant deputy minister in the policy division and science and standards division of the Ontario Ministry of Environment.
Research
Victor’s research has focused on the relationship between economic systems and the environment, particularly within the field of ecological economics. His work has examined how economic activity depends on material and energy flows, and how environmental limits affect long-term economic development. His book Pollution economy and environment 1972 was the first major study of the interactions between an entire national economy and the environment that supports it. Furthermore, his research has frequently challenged conventional economic assumptions that treat environmental impacts as external to the economy.
Victor’s later research concentrated on ecological macroeconomics and alternatives to growth-oriented economic models. He explored the social, economic, and environmental implications of low-growth or post-growth economies, arguing that improvements in human well-being and environmental sustainability do not depend on continued increases in gross domestic product (GDP), especially in rich countries. His 2008/2019 book Managing Without Growth. Slower by Design, not Disaster examined how economies could transition toward lower carbon emissions, reduced resource use, and greater social equity while maintaining economic stability. Using system dynamics, Victor designed and built the LowGrow simulation model to explore alternative long- term trajectories for the Canadian economy. His collaboration with Tim Jackson expanded the environmental dimensions of LowGrow and made it stock-flow consistent for finance and materials.
In addition, Victor has contributed to applied research on sustainability policy, ecological footprints, energy systems, and environmental governance.
