Audacious bid to value the planet whips up a storm
Article Abstract:
A recent attempt to integrate economics and ecology has been a calculation of a monetary value for the world's ecosystem services and natural capital, published by ecologist Robert Costanza of the University of Maryland, along with co-authors. A minimum estimate of $33 trillion per year was described as the current economic value of 17 ecosystem services, however mainstream economists saw the figure as a serious underestimate of infinity. Costanza and colleagues argue that their work is no different from classical GNP accounting.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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The value of the world's ecosystem services and natural capital
Article Abstract:
The total economic value of 17 ecosystem services representing 16 biomes are estimated to determine the relative magnitude of the Earth's economic value. These services include genetic resources, food production, biological control, waste treatment, soil formation, water supply, disturbance regulation, gas regulation and climate regulation. Results show that total value ranges from US$ 16-54 trillion annually compared with the global gross national product of US$ 18 trillion per year.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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