Nature as capital: Advancing and incorporating ecosystem services in United States federal policies and programs

摘要: The concept of nature as capital is gaining visibility in policies and practices both the public private sectors. This change due to an improved ability assess value ecosystem services, well a growing recognition potential services approach make tradeoffs decision making more transparent, inform efficient use resources, enhance resilience sustainability, avoid unintended negative consequences policy actions. Globally, governments, financial institutions, corporations have begun incorporate natural accounting their practices. In United States, universities, nongovernmental organizations, federal agencies are actively collaborating develop apply concepts further national environmental economic objectives. Numerous incorporating these into land planning, water resources management, preparations for, responses to, climate change. Going forward, well-defined direction will be necessary institutionalize approaches agencies, guide intersector interdisciplinary collaborative research development efforts. addition, new generation support tools needed practical application principles policymaking commercial activities. Improved performance metrics needed, mechanisms monitor status impacts programs. A greater international commitment advancing would likely broad, long-term benefits.