A Scale Problem with the Ecosystem Services Argument for Protecting Biodiversity

Environmental Values 32 (3):271-290 (2023)
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Abstract

The ecosystem services argument is a highly publicised instrumental argument for protecting biodiversity. I develop a new objection to this argument based on the lack of a causal connection from global species losses to local ecosystem changes. I survey some alternative formulations of services arguments, including ones incorporating option value or a precautionary principle, and show that they do not fare much better than the standard version. I conclude that environmental thinkers should rely less on ecosystem services as a means to defend biodiversity, and that attention should be focused on additional types of value which might be attributed to global biodiversity.

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Katie H. Morrow
Bielefeld University

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