A team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning examined how much external ecosystem product (EPP) exists around the world by surveying 179 countries. Their study appears in a scholarly journal focused on environmental science and applied technology, offering fresh insights into the links between natural systems and human activity.
In 2018, estimates for the global contribution of ecosystems to the world economy ranged widely, from about 112 trillion dollars to 197 trillion dollars. The share of ecosystem services relative to gross domestic product (GDP) averaged around 1.85, highlighting the large economic role that natural systems play alongside human enterprise.
Forests and wetlands emerged as key sources of value, delivering a substantial majority of the total ecosystem economic potential across the regions studied. These spaces were responsible for roughly four out of five units of value, underscoring their central role in supporting livelihoods, water security, and climate regulation.
The nations topping the list for overall ecosystem product were Brazil, the United States, China, Russia, and Canada. Of the 179 countries analyzed, 84 showed growth in both ecosystem product and GDP. China, Indonesia, and Australia appear among the top ten where both indicators rise, illustrating how different development trajectories can coexist with expanding ecological value.
The research highlights a strong connection between oxygen balance, climate regulation, and carbon sequestration services, showing how these ecological functions reinforce one another. It also points to trade-offs that can limit environmental protection and economic growth in various regions, suggesting that policy choices must carefully balance ecological and economic goals.
In addressing flood risks across African nations, for example, managers face competing demands for soil health, flood defense, and climate resilience. The need for integrated strategies is clear, aligning water management, land use planning, and biodiversity objectives to achieve sustainable outcomes that benefit communities over the long term.
While reservoirs help reduce flood hazards and increase water supply, they can also affect habitats and biodiversity in ways that require careful planning and ongoing monitoring. Such considerations highlight the importance of evaluating ecological impacts alongside infrastructure needs when shaping regional development plans.
Looking at these findings in a broader context, researchers stress the importance of protecting natural capital while pursuing economic growth. Healthy ecosystems underpin long-term stability, resilience, and shared prosperity for communities across North America and beyond, reinforcing the idea that environmental stewardship and economic progress can advance together.