Ecosystems Services and Biodiversity in Europe

Abstract:

The life support systems that are provided by the environment (ecosystem services) are undervalued by Europeans and must be protected by new legislation, EASAC writes in its new report published on 17 February 2009. The report identifies and assesses the essential and often irreplaceable benefits that Europeans get from their environment and shows that biodiversity is fundamental to sustaining them. Current threats to biodiversity, for example from climate change, intensive agriculture and urbanisation, will lead to loss of essential services, crucial to Europe's economy and society. Despite this, the full range of these services is currently not fully acknowledged, objectively valued or protected.