Ecosystems and Human Well-being

by Hassan, Rashid; Scholes, Robert; Ash, Neville

• ISBN13: 9781559632287
• ISBN10: 1559632283
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-12-14
• Publisher: Island Pr

Summary

Humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively in the last 50 years than in any comparable period of human history. We have done this to meet the growing demands for food, fresh water, timber, fiber, and fuel. While changes to ecosystems have enhanced the well-being of billions of people, they have also caused a substantial and largely irreversible loss in diversity of life on Earth, and have strained the capacity of ecosystems to continue providing critical services. Among the findings: Approximately 60% of the services that support life on Earth are being degraded or used unsustainably. The harmful consequences of this degradation could grow significantly worse in the next 50 years. Only four ecosystem services have been enhanced in the last 50 years: crops, livestock, aquaculture, and the sequestration of carbon. The capacity of ecosystems to neutralize pollutants, protect us from natural disasters, and control the outbreaks of pests and diseases is declining significantly. Terrestrial and freshwater systems are reaching the limits of their ability to absorb nitrogen. Harvesting of fish and other resources from coastal and marine systems is compromising their ability to deliver food in the future. Richly illustrated with maps and graphs, Current State and Trends presents an assessment of Earth's ability to provide twenty-four distinct services essential to human well-being. These include food, fiber, and other materials; the regulation of the climate and fresh water systems; underlying support systems such as nutrient cycling; and the fulfillment of cultural, spiritual, and aesthetic values. The volume pays particular attention to the current health of key ecosystems, including inland waters, forests, oceans, croplands, and dryland systems, among others. It will be an indispensable reference for scientists, environmentalists, agency professionals, and students.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xiii
Preface	xv
Acknowledgments	xix
Reader's Guide	xxi
Summary: Ecosystems and Their Services around the Year 2000	1	(24)
Part I: General Concepts and Analytical Approaches
MA Conceptual Framework	25	(12)
Analytical Approaches for Assessing Ecosystem Condition and Human Well-being	37	(36)
Drivers of Ecosystem Change: Summary Chapter	73	(4)
Biodiversity	77	(46)
Ecosystem Conditions and Human Well-being	123	(20)
Vulnerable Peoples and Places	143	(22)
Part II: An Assessment of Ecosystem Services
Fresh Water	165	(44)
Food	209	(34)
Timber, Fuel, and Fiber	243	(28)
New Products and Industries from Biodiversity	271	(26)
Biodiversity Regulation of Ecosystem Services	297	(34)
Nutrient Cycling	331	(24)
Climate and Air Quality	355	(36)
Human Health: Ecosystem Regulation of Infectious Diseases	391	(26)
Waste Processing and Detoxification	417	(24)
Regulation of Natural Hazards: Floods and Fires	441	(14)
Cultural and Amenity Services	455	(22)
Part III: An Assessment of Systems from which Ecosystem Services Are Derived
Marine Fisheries Systems	477	(36)
Coastal Systems	513	(38)
Inland Water Systems	551	(34)
Forest and Woodland Systems	585	(38)
Dryland Systems	623	(40)
Island Systems	663	(18)
Mountain Systems	681	(36)
Polar Systems	717	(28)
Cultivated Systems	745	(50)
Urban Systems	795	(32)
Part IV: Synthesis
Synthesis: Condition and Trends in Systems and Services, Trade-offs for Human Well-being, and Implications for the Future	827	(12)
Appendix A. Color Maps and Figures	839	(44)
Appendix B. Authors	883	(6)
Appendix C. Abbreviations and Acronyms	889	(4)
Appendix D. Glossary	893	(8)
Index	901