Lesson 2 - ecosystem services

• What do ecosystems provide for humans?


  Food, fuel, and materials
• From whom are ecosystem resources taken?


  Individuals, private companies, and government
• What are the two main purposes for taking ecosystem resources?


  To meet basic needs and to boost economic growth
• What is a stakeholder?


  Any body who can affect, or is affected by, an organization, strategy, or project
• Why do stakeholders often "fight"?


  For what they think is either "right" or "economical"
• What are the three environmental worldviews regarding nature?

  • Anthropocentric: Humans hold dominion over nature.
  • Biocentric: Humans hold stewardship over nature.
  • Ecocentric: Humans can profit from nature sustainably.
• What intrinsic values do ecosystem services have?


  They have intrinsic, environmental, and economic value
• What are provisioning services in ecosystems?


  • Direct value
  • Most susceptible to tragedy of the commons
  • Examples: Energy, seafood, medicines, timber, fresh water
• What are regulating services in ecosystems?


  • Indirect value
  • Money isn't made, but services are provided
  • Examples: Flood protection, air quality control, pest control
• What are cultural services in ecosystems?


  • Celebrate intrinsic and instrumental values
  • Examples: Education, recreation
• What are supporting services in ecosystems?


  • The most important service
  • Without it, there would be no ecosystem for the others
  • Examples: Nutrient recycling, soil formation
• Why are provisioning services considered most susceptible to the tragedy of the commons?


  Because needs and responses are immediate
• What is the significance of supporting services in ecosystems?


  They are essential for the existence of other ecosystem services
• What do ecosystems provide for humans?


  Food, fuel, and materials
• From whom are ecosystem resources taken?


  Individuals, private companies, and governments
• Why do people take resources from ecosystems?

  To meet basic needs or to make a profit
• Who are stakeholders in the context of ecosystems?


  • Anyone who can affect or is affected by an organization, strategy, or project
  • Includes individuals, businesses, governments, and activists
• What do stakeholders often fight for?


  What they think is either "right" or "economical" for themselves
• What are some projects that stakeholders may be involved in?


  Mining, draining wetlands, and deforesting areas
• How do individuals act as stakeholders?


  They may not see changes but can vote and attend public meetings
• What challenges do individuals face as stakeholders?


  Economic pressure to not comply and difficulty enforcing laws
• What role do activists play as stakeholders?


  They synthesize information to present to policymakers
• What is a significant motive for businesses as stakeholders?


  Strong economic motive against regulation
• How do scientists act as stakeholders?


  They determine when there is enough information to act
• What is a challenge scientists face in their role as stakeholders?


  Public and government officials may not understand scientific information
• What role does the media play in relation to stakeholders?


  The media can filter information
• Why is nature not usually seen as a stakeholder?


  Because it is not a person
• What do environmentalists advocate for as stakeholders?


  They give "mother nature" a voice
• What is the anthropocentric view of nature?


  Humans hold dominion over nature
• What does the biocentric view emphasize?


  Humans should protect nature at all costs
• What is the ecocentric perspective on nature?


  Humans can profit from nature but should do so sustainably
• What are the four types of ecosystem services?


  1. Provisioning Services
  2. Regulating Services
  3. Cultural Services
  4. Supporting Services
• What are provisioning services in ecosystems?


  Direct value resources like food and freshwater
• What are examples of provisioning services?


  Energy, seafood, medicines, timber, and freshwater
• Why are provisioning services susceptible to the Tragedy of the Commons?


  Because need and reward are immediate
• What are regulating services in ecosystems?


  Indirect value services that save money
• What are examples of regulating services?


  Flood protection, climate regulation, and air quality control
• What are cultural services in ecosystems?


  Services that celebrate intrinsic and instrumental values
• What are examples of cultural services?


  Education, recreation, heritage sites, and spiritual values
• What are supporting services in ecosystems?


  The most important service that enables other services