What is the definition of ecosystem services
benefits provided by ecosystems that contribute to making human life both possible and worth living
What is an ecological footprint?
the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources
what is the definition of biocapacity?
the ability of an area ( like a forest or farm) to generate renewable resources and absorb waste particularly co2
What is a provisioning ecosystem service?
Direct products like food, freshwater, and timber
What are three examples of provisional ecosystem services?
Food production: crops, fish, livestock, fruits, nuts
Pharmaceutical products: medicines derived from plants or animals
Genetic resources: genes for crop improvement, such as drought-resistant rice
what is a supporting ecosystem service?
Enable other services by maintaining life conditions, like nutrient cycling and soil formation.
What are 3 examples of supporting ecosystem services?
- nutrient cycling - nutrient for plant growth - food production
- water cycling - water for plant growth - food production
-Soil formation – Creating fertile soil that plants need to grow.
what is a regulation ecosystem service?
natural processes that maintain stable environmental conditions like climate, flood control
3 examples of regulation ecosystem services?
- climate regulation
- pollination
- water purification by like wetlands which act as water sponges
What are cultural services?
- non material benefits from ecosystem
4 Examples of cultural services
- eco tourism
- education
- deer stalking in the scottish highlands
- aboriginal whaling
Why is conservation of ecosystem services especially important in developing countries?
Because people directly depend on ecosystem services like clean water and food for their livelihoods, so conserving them is essential for human well-being.
How can poverty lead to ecosystem degradation?
Poverty can drive people to exploit natural resources (e.g., illegal logging) to earn a living, causing environmental damage.
Why is early-stage development or industrial transition considered resource-intensive?
- exploitation of natural resources is higher than compared to late industrial economies
How are ecosystem services linked to the Earth system and biodiversity?
Increased biodiversity → more ecosystem services and goods → provides basic material for a good life.
Changes in one component can have knock-on effects on others – everything is interconnected!
Which regions are rich in ecosystem services globally?
Asia and Africa are particularly rich in ecosystem services.
What does it mean to value ecosystem services (ES)?
Estimating the importance or benefit of nature’s services, sometimes in money or in philosophical terms.
Why is there a debate about valuing ecosystem services?
People argue whether the value should be monetary (money) or philosophical (importance beyond money).
How can putting a monetary value on ecosystem services help?
It makes the concept easier for society and decision-makers to understand and act on.
How can you estimate the value of a specific ecosystem service?
Ask: Without this service, how much would it cost to replace or fix it?
Give an example of valuing an ecosystem service.
Without a forest, water quality decreases due to pollution. Cleaning that water would cost more than if the forest were there.
What is the millenium ecosystem assessment?
- major global study that evaluated how ecosystems contribute to human well being
- understand the value of nature and how ecosystem changes affect human well being
- i.e provisioning services
What is the national ecosystem assessment?
- main purpose is to understand the state of a specific countrys ecosystems, the services they provide etc
- example would be the state of Uk woodlands
