Bringing ecosystem services into economic decision-making: land use in the United Kingdom

Bringing ecosystem services into economic decision-making: land use in the United Kingdom

28 January 2016 | Ian J. Bateman, Amii R. Harwood, Georgina M. Mace, Robert T. Watson, David J. Abson, Barnaby Andrews, Amy Binner, Andrew Crowe, Brett H. Day, Steve Dugdale, Carlo Fezzi, Jo Foden, David Hadley, Roy Haines-Young, Mark Hulme, Andreas Kontoleon, Andrew A. Lovett, Paul Munday, Unai Pascual, James Paterson, Grischa Perino, Antara Sen, Gavin Siriwardena, Daan van Soest, Mette Termansen
This study examines the importance of incorporating ecosystem services into economic decision-making, particularly in the context of land use in the United Kingdom. It highlights how land use changes affect not only agricultural production but also greenhouse gas emissions, open-access recreation, urban green space, and wild species diversity. The research uses spatially explicit models and valuation methods to estimate the economic value of these services, taking into account climate change impacts. The findings show that focusing solely on agriculture reduces overall ecosystem service values, while targeted planning that considers all potential services and their values can significantly increase economic benefits and conserve wild species diversity. The study also demonstrates that considering non-market ecosystem services, such as biodiversity, can lead to greater net gains compared to market-based decisions. The analysis emphasizes the need for spatially targeted land use planning that integrates environmental, economic, and social factors to achieve sustainable land use. The study concludes that incorporating ecosystem services into decision-making can lead to more sustainable and beneficial outcomes for society.This study examines the importance of incorporating ecosystem services into economic decision-making, particularly in the context of land use in the United Kingdom. It highlights how land use changes affect not only agricultural production but also greenhouse gas emissions, open-access recreation, urban green space, and wild species diversity. The research uses spatially explicit models and valuation methods to estimate the economic value of these services, taking into account climate change impacts. The findings show that focusing solely on agriculture reduces overall ecosystem service values, while targeted planning that considers all potential services and their values can significantly increase economic benefits and conserve wild species diversity. The study also demonstrates that considering non-market ecosystem services, such as biodiversity, can lead to greater net gains compared to market-based decisions. The analysis emphasizes the need for spatially targeted land use planning that integrates environmental, economic, and social factors to achieve sustainable land use. The study concludes that incorporating ecosystem services into decision-making can lead to more sustainable and beneficial outcomes for society.
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