A Handbook for Understanding Natural Capital - Earth Economics

What happens when
ecosystems disappear
When ecosystems are destroyed we lose the services they
once provided and the effects can be devastating.
Floods. Covering the earth’s soil with impervious surfaces
(such as pavement and buildings) increases the risk of
flooding. One of the most significant factors in an ecosystem’s
ability to prevent flooding is the absorption capacity of
the land. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that urban
development leads to 100-600% more flooding for two-year
storm events. Increased flooding means more property
damage, lost work time, injuries, and loss of life.
Reduced air quality. Cutting down trees lowers air quality. In
Washington’s Puget Sound area alone, urban forests remove
approximately 78 million pounds of pollutants per year.
Having these gasses sequestered by forests saved $166.5
million per year in avoided health care costs and other costs
for the region in 1996. When we strip away this resource,
we lose the valuable gas regulating service; the lower air
quality causes health care costs to spike as the incidence of
respiratory diseases rise.
Erosion. Land clearing (removing stabilizing native
vegetation) increases the likelihood of landslides and water
run-off due to changes in drainage patterns. When we
construct bulkheads and seawalls, the earth’s natural ability
to build and maintain shorelines is disrupted. This leads to the
destruction of marine wildlife habitat and intensifies erosion
on nearby beaches and shorelines. Loss of or sudden change
in shoreline can result in private property damage, public
infrastructure damage, loss of wildlife habitat, and loss of life.
Floods, landslides, and poor air quality are but a few of the
consequences we suffer when ecosystems are destroyed.
Ecosystems give us natural resources like clean water and
air that we cannot live without. These are provided free of
9charge. As ecosystems are lost, so are the services those
ecosystems previously provided.