Lesson 24: Human Values and Ecosystem Sustainability
In this lesson, we will learn about the concept of Ecosystem Capital, and
seventeen ecosystem services that
have been defined as vital. We will also look at the idea of each country
having an Ecological Footprint.
Ecosystem Capital consists of the Earth's specific ecosystems that
we depend upon for goods and services. Human beings consume about 40% of the
world's resources while representing 5% of the biomass. This rate is only
increasing and intrudes upon natural cycles.
1.6 billion people, many of the world's poorest, depend on forests for
sustenance (fuel, food and more). However, this natural ecosystem capital is
not often valued, nor is the human impact upon these ecosystems through
development and clear cutting in the area.
To assign values to
ecosystems, a team of 13 natural scientists produced a report "The Value of the
World's Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital" in 1997. They listed 17
ecosystem services that provide vital functions we depend on. These services
are gas regulation, climate regulation, water regulation, disturbance
regulation, water supply, erosion control and sediment retention, soil
formation, nutrient cycling, waste treatment, pollination, biological control,
refuges, food production, raw materials, genetic resources, recreational and
cultural services.
Ecosystems are valuable for human welfare and economic activity.
An ecological footprint is the representation of the consumption of ecosystem
capital goods and services. Managing the ecological footprint of a country
requires careful planning and thinking ahead. Global consumption leads to a
very large ecological footprint. Growing populations are consuming resources
beyond capacity with widespread deforestation and loss of biodiversity.