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A Scale Problem with the Ecosystem Services Argument for Protecting Biodiversity

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  • Katie H. Morrow

Abstract

The ecosystem services argument is a highly publicised instrumental argument for protecting biodiversity. I develop a new objection to this argument based on the lack of a causal connection from global species losses to local ecosystem changes. I survey some alternative formulations of services arguments, including ones incorporating option value or a precautionary principle, and show that they do not fare much better than the standard version. I conclude that environmental thinkers should rely less on ecosystem services as a means to defend biodiversity, and that attention should be focused on additional types of value which might be attributed to global biodiversity.

Suggested Citation

  • Katie H. Morrow, 2023. "A Scale Problem with the Ecosystem Services Argument for Protecting Biodiversity," Environmental Values, White Horse Press, vol. 32(3), pages 271–290-2, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:env:journl:ev32:ev3212
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    biodiversity; ecosystem services; instrumental value; option value; precautionary principle;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q20 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - General
    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects
    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics

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