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The value of the world's ecosystem services and natural capital

Author

Listed:
  • Robert Costanza

    (University of Maryland
    University of Maryland)

  • Ralph d'Arge

    (University of Wyoming)

  • Rudolf de Groot

    (Wageningen Agricultural University)

  • Stephen Farber

    (University of Pittsburgh)

  • Monica Grasso

    (University of Maryland)

  • Bruce Hannon

    (University of Illinois)

  • Karin Limburg

    (Institute of Ecosystem Studies
    University of Stockholm)

  • Shahid Naeem

    (University of Minnesota)

  • Robert V. O'Neill

    (Oak Ridge National Laboratory)

  • Jose Paruelo

    (University of Buenos Aires)

  • Robert G. Raskin

    (Jet Propulsion Laboratory)

  • Paul Sutton

    (University of California at Santa Barbara)

  • Marjan van den Belt

    (Ecological Economics Research and Applications Inc.)

Abstract

The services of ecological systems and the natural capital stocks that produce them are critical to the functioning of the Earth's life-support system. They contribute to human welfare, both directly and indirectly, and therefore represent part of the total economic value of the planet. We have estimated the current economic value of 17 ecosystem services for 16 biomes, based on published studies and a few original calculations. For the entire biosphere, the value (most of which is outside the market) is estimated to be in the range of US$16-54 trillion (1012) per year, with an average of US$33 trillion per year. Because of the nature of the uncertainties, this must be considered a minimum estimate. Global gross national product total is around US$18 trillion per year.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Costanza & Ralph d'Arge & Rudolf de Groot & Stephen Farber & Monica Grasso & Bruce Hannon & Karin Limburg & Shahid Naeem & Robert V. O'Neill & Jose Paruelo & Robert G. Raskin & Paul Sutton & Ma, 1997. "The value of the world's ecosystem services and natural capital," Nature, Nature, vol. 387(6630), pages 253-260, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:387:y:1997:i:6630:d:10.1038_387253a0
    DOI: 10.1038/387253a0
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