L5_Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem (Dis)Services and Environmental Justice

• Overview of ecosystem services in relation to environmental justice.

What Are Ecosystem Services?

• Benefits derived from ecosystems.

  • Directly or indirectly enjoyed by humans.

Types of Ecosystem Services

Supporting Services

• Essential for all other ecosystem services.

  • Functions of ecosystems that sustain life.

Provisioning Services

• Products directly obtained from ecosystems:

  • Food

  • Fresh water

  • Fuelwood

  • Fiber

  • Biochemicals

  • Genetic resources

Regulating Services

• Benefits from regulating ecosystem processes:

  • Climate regulation

  • Disease regulation

  • Water regulation

  • Water purification

  • Pollination

Cultural Services

• Non-material benefits that contribute to cultural identity:

  • Spiritual & religious significance

  • Recreation

  • Ecotourism

  • Aesthetic enjoyment

  • Inspiration

  • Education

  • Sense of place

  • Cultural heritage

Supporting Services (Functions of Ecosystems)

• Processes that maintain ecosystem health:

  • Nutrient cycling

  • Evolution

  • Soil formation

  • Spatial structure

  • Primary production

Ecosystem Services from Urban Agriculture

• Food provisioning through urban agricultural practices.

Ecosystem Services Provided by Vegetation

Regulating Microclimate and Water Quality

• Urban vegetation contributes to enhancing microclimate and regulating water quality.

Benefits of Green Roofs

Potential Climate and Water Regulation Benefits

• Improvements seen in Chicago City Hall include:

  • Cooler roof temperature due to higher reflectivity.

  • Reduced heat flux across the roof membrane.

  • Cooling effects from plants and media.

  • Reduction in water runoff, particularly during small storms.

Ecosystem Services by Tree Canopy

• Tree canopy services:

  • Reduce energy consumption by 25% through shade.

  • Enhance thermal comfort and air quality.

Urban Trees and Human Well-being

• Ecosystem services provided by urban trees include:

  • Air pollutant reduction (O3, NO2).

  • CO₂ sequestration.

  • Energy savings from shading.

  • Increased aesthetic value.

  • Reduction of stormwater runoff.

Tree Canopy: Ecosystem Disservices

• Potential challenges associated with tree canopies:

  • Water use

  • Maintenance needs

  • Safety concerns

Importance of Urban Tree Planting Initiatives

Government Initiatives

• Federal funding awarded for urban tree planting to combat extreme heat effects.

Perspectives on Tree Planting in Water-Limited Systems

• Class assignment exploring the dual perspectives of the benefits and drawbacks of planting in water-limited areas.

Conceptual Distinctions

Amenities vs. Ecosystem Services

• Clear differentiation between amenities (physical 'things') and the ecosystem services they provide.

Multiple Ecosystem Services at Franklin Square Elementary

• Examples include:

  • Regulating (cooling and stormwater management)

  • Cultural (aesthetics and recreation)

Trade-offs Among Ecosystem Services

Example: Kudzu

• Plant used to prevent soil erosion can have negative impacts as an invasive species.

Conclusion: Managing Ecosystem Services

• Emphasis on managing for multiple services to maximize benefits while minimizing negative impacts.

  • Key Points:

  • Separate amenities from services

  • Recognize interactions and trade-offs

  • Acknowledge disservices and public perceptions.