Loss and Damage to Ecosystem Services

Zommers, Zinta, Wrathall, David and van der Geest, Kees (2014). Loss and Damage to Ecosystem Services. UNU-EHS Working Paper. UNU-EHS.

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  • Sub-type Working paper
    Author Zommers, Zinta
    Wrathall, David
    van der Geest, Kees
    Title Loss and Damage to Ecosystem Services
    Series Title UNU-EHS Working Paper
    Volume/Issue No. 12
    Publication Date 2014-12
    Place of Publication Bonn
    Publisher UNU-EHS
    Pages 22
    Language eng
    Abstract Loss and damage has risen to global attention with the establishment of the ‘Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts’. While much of the discussion has focused on loss and damage to human livelihoods, climate change is also having a significant impact on ecosystems. The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report (2014) indicates that adaptation options for ecosystems may be more limited than for human systems and consequently loss and damage both to ecosystems, and to ecosystem services, may be expected. Ecosystem services underpin human livelihoods. It is therefore critical to better assess loss and damage to ecosystem services. This paper assesses current and expected losses and damages to ecosystem services through a survey of the Working Group II Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change, and a detailed case study of the impact of glacial loss in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. Evidence for changes to services is seen in the different phases of hydrological shift of glacial melt. While the impact of other stressors resulting from human activity on ecosystem services need to be considered, greater focus is needed on the relationships between climate change, loss and damage, ecosystem services and human well-being. Ultimately efforts to protect ecosystem services may help build resilience in human livelihoods and minimize loss and damage.
    Copyright Holder UNU-EHS
    Copyright Year 2014
    Copyright type All rights reserved
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    Created: Thu, 21 May 2015, 20:44:41 JST