Is Nature the Largest “Company” on Earth?
by Sangeeta Haindl
Can we put a price on nature? If so, how? Over the past few years, diehard conservationists and bottom-line businesses believe you can do just that. They believe that putting a cost on nature is the best answer to global environmental decline because they believe that until now, old-style protection of nature has failed to stop the destruction of habitats and the dwindling of species. It has failed mainly because there has been not enough money and/or commercial interests in conservation.
TD Economics explores the benefits we receive from natural capital in its latest environmental economics report, "Valuing the World Around Us: an Introduction to Natural Capital." The report highlights that the advantages can be significant, citing two examples: first the urban forest in New York City provides nearly $150 million in annual benefits, including air quality, energy savings and wet-weather flow control. Secondly, the rivers and wetlands of British Columbia's Lower Fraser Valley provide more than half a billion dollars in benefits each year. To make these calculations, TD Economics has its own definition to capture the direct and indirect benefits arising from the current and future stock of natural resources.
To continue reading, click here
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Sangeeta Haindl writes on social innovation, social enterprise, and social entrepreneurs. She is the owner of Serendipity PR, in London, U.K., where she works with high-profile brands and organizations in the public, non-profit, and corporate sectors, winning awards for her work from the communications industry. She describes herself as a Spiritual Entrepreneur, Conscious Explorer, and Futurist. She enjoys helping others, paying it forward, and being a mum.
