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Ecosystem Services and Environmental Governance: Comparing China and the U.S

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  • Robert Costanza
  • Shuang Liu

Abstract

The concept of ecosystem services (the benefits people derive from functioning ecosystems) is beginning to change the way we view the relationship between humans and the rest of nature. To the extent that we view humanity as embedded in and interdependent with the rest of nature, rather than viewing nature as separate from people or even as an adversary, our whole approach to environmental research, governance and management changes. These ongoing changes are discussed with reference to the evolving situations in China and the United States. The most significant effects on governance are the needs to shift to a more transparent and participatory approach and a broader recognition of the public goods/common property characteristics of ecosystems and their services. The main questions are: (i) to what extent do prevailing governance arrangements in China and the United States facilitate and/or hinder efforts to effectively manage ecosystem services?; and (ii) are there adjustments that are both politically feasible and likely to make a difference in these terms? We conclude that while China and the United States represent two almost polar opposite starting points, especially as concerns property rights, there is significant convergence, and the concept of ecosystem services can help accelerate this positive trend.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Costanza & Shuang Liu, 2014. "Ecosystem Services and Environmental Governance: Comparing China and the U.S," Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 1(1), pages 160-170, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:asiaps:v:1:y:2014:i:1:p:160-170
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1002/app5.16
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alasdair MacBean, 2007. "China's Environment: Problems and Policies," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(2), pages 292-307, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chaikaew, Pasicha & Hodges, Alan W. & Grunwald, Sabine, 2017. "Estimating the value of ecosystem services in a mixed-use watershed: A choice experiment approach," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 23(C), pages 228-237.
    2. Chen, Haojie, 2020. "Complementing conventional environmental impact assessments of tourism with ecosystem service valuation: A case study of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 43(C).
    3. Yi Shang & Dongyan Wang & Shuhan Liu & Hong Li, 2022. "Spatial-Temporal Variation and Mechanisms Causing Spatial Differentiation of Ecosystem Services in Ecologically Fragile Regions Based on Value Evaluation: A Case Study of Western Jilin, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-21, April.
    4. Yuanyuan Lou & Dan Yang & Pengyan Zhang & Ying Zhang & Meiling Song & Yicheng Huang & Wenlong Jing, 2022. "Multi-Scenario Simulation of Land Use Changes with Ecosystem Service Value in the Yellow River Basin," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-17, June.
    5. Kibria, Abu S.M.G. & Costanza, Robert & Gasparatos, Alexandros & Soto, José, 2022. "A composite human wellbeing index for ecosystem-dependent communities: A case study in the Sundarbans, Bangladesh," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    6. Do, Trong Hoan & Vu, Tan Phuong & Nguyen, Van Truong & Catacutan, Delia, 2018. "Payment for forest environmental services in Vietnam: An analysis of buyers’ perspectives and willingness," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 32(PA), pages 134-143.
    7. Van Schoubroeck, Sophie & Anougmar, Soukaina & Finizola e Silva, Maira & Ala-Harja, Venla & Statzu, Vania & Everaert, Gert & Watt, Lois & Barboza, Francisco R. & Compernolle, Tine, 2024. "Valuation of ecosystem services in marine protected areas: A comprehensive review of methods and needed developments," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).

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