2024 | Laís Carneiro, Philip E. Hulme, Ross N. Cuthbert, Melina Kourantidou, Alok Bang, Phillip J. Haubrock, Corey J. A. Bradshaw, Paride Balzani, Sven Bacher, Guillaume Latombe, Thomas W. Bodey, Anna F. Probert, Claudio S. Quilodrán, and Franck Courchamp
The article "Benefits do not balance costs of biological invasions" by Laís Carneiro and colleagues highlights the significant economic and ecological impacts of biological invasions, which are estimated to cost trillions of dollars. While some invasive species can bring occasional benefits, such as monetary gains, these benefits are often overshadowed by the massive documented costs. The authors argue that quantitatively balancing benefits and costs is misleading because they coexist without offsetting each other. Benefits always come at a price, affecting communities and regions differently over time. The article emphasizes the need for an integrated approach that considers both costs and benefits to effectively manage biological invasions. It also discusses the ethical implications of prioritizing limited economic benefits over the overwhelming negative ecological, economic, and social impacts. The authors conclude that promoting the benefits of biological invasions can hinder management and increase long-term costs, underscoring the importance of comprehensive and balanced assessments in policy-making.The article "Benefits do not balance costs of biological invasions" by Laís Carneiro and colleagues highlights the significant economic and ecological impacts of biological invasions, which are estimated to cost trillions of dollars. While some invasive species can bring occasional benefits, such as monetary gains, these benefits are often overshadowed by the massive documented costs. The authors argue that quantitatively balancing benefits and costs is misleading because they coexist without offsetting each other. Benefits always come at a price, affecting communities and regions differently over time. The article emphasizes the need for an integrated approach that considers both costs and benefits to effectively manage biological invasions. It also discusses the ethical implications of prioritizing limited economic benefits over the overwhelming negative ecological, economic, and social impacts. The authors conclude that promoting the benefits of biological invasions can hinder management and increase long-term costs, underscoring the importance of comprehensive and balanced assessments in policy-making.