From nature to numbers: integrating natural capital accounting into decision-making
In 2021, the monetary value of nine key ecosystem services flow was estimated at €321 billion (in 2021 prices), distributed across different ecosystems and services (Fig 1).
Nearly 40% of ecosystem services are used as inputs for producing goods and services by industries (e.g., agriculture). The remaining 60% are used for purposes outside economic production, (e.g., public health).
Ecosystem services support sectors, with the average value of these services representing 19% of the gross value added (GVA) of related sectors. This highlights their relative economic importance.
Unmet demand for ecosystem services creates a €106 billion annual gap (in 2021 prices) between supply and societal needs, exposing vulnerabilities. Over half of this loss stems from insufficient flood control, a vital service for climate resilience, while nearly 40% is due to pollination shortages, underscoring agriculture’s reliance on wild pollinators
GRAMMATIKOPOULOU Ioanna;
LA NOTTE Alessandra;
PISANI Domenico;
ZURBARAN NUCCI Mayra;
VELASCO GOMEZ Marcela;
VASILAKOPOULOS Paris;
2025-11-10
European Commission
JRC143088
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC143088,
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