The benefits provided to humans by natural ecosystems: ecosystem goods and services

Abstract

Nature provides humans with the infrastructure necessary for the development of their societies. Minerals, fossil fuels, timber, fodder, pharmaceuticals, seafood, etc. are obtained from natural ecosystems. These resources or "ecosystem goods" form an important part of the economy, which is why they have been historically valued. Only recently has it been recognized that natural systems also produce a series of "ecosystem services" that determine the habitability of the planet, such as climate regulation, waste decomposition, water purification, soil fertility regeneration, biodiversity maintenance, etc. The economic activity developed to satisfy the demand for different commodities by modern societies produces environmental degradation. This affects not only the productive capacity of ecosystems but also the quality of these essential ecosystem services, whose repair costs, when technologically possible, can be enormous. This is how economic growth can mask profound environmental degradation with incalculable costs for future generations.