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.