What Is the Economic Value of Environmental Goods - And How Can This Value Be Incorporated in Public Decision-Making?

摘要

Nature's ecosystem and its services create the foundation of our society's existence. Yet, services such as fresh air and water, fertile soil and flow regulation have upon recent been treated as unlimited resources. The consequences can be seen in the rapid loss of biodiversity and issues related to climate change. Although environmental issues have got more attention recently, it can be challenging for decision-makers to assess what measures to choose, when and where to implement these, and how to distribute financial responsibility among stakeholders. One reason for this is suggested being that many environmental assets lack a direct monetary value.