The Value of Ecosystem Services in Economic Terms

Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from the natural environment, which include provisioning services such as food and water, regulating services such as climate regulation and disease control, supporting services such as nutrient cycling and pollination, and cultural services such as recreation and aesthetic enjoyment. These services are critical for human well-being and the sustainability of our planet. However, their value is often overlooked or undervalued in economic terms, leading to a disconnect between the natural world and the decisions made by policy makers and the public.