Bringing Ecosystem Services into Economic Decision-Making: Land Use in the United Kingdom

TLDR

Land‑use decisions in the UK are largely driven by agricultural market values, yet they risk substantial losses of ecosystem services such as wildlife habitat and recreation, a concern highlighted in the UK National Ecosystem Assessment. The study proposes that policies recognizing environmental diversity can target land‑use changes to simultaneously enhance agriculture, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve recreation and wildlife habitat. The authors estimate the monetary value of the net losses of ecosystem services resulting from land‑use decisions.

Abstract

Monitoring Land Use Land-use decisions are based largely on agricultural market values. However, such decisions can lead to losses of ecosystem services, such as the provision of wildlife habitat or recreational space, the magnitude of which may overwhelm any market agricultural benefits. In a research project forming part of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment, Bateman et al. (p. 45 ) estimate the value of these net losses. Policies that recognize the diversity and complexity of the natural environment can target changes to different areas so as to radically improve land use in terms of agriculture and greenhouse gas emissions, recreation, and wild species habitat and diversity.