Valuing Ecosystem Services and Disservices across Heterogeneous Green Spaces

Christie Klimas, Allison Williams, Megan Hoff, Beth Lawrence, Jennifer Thompson and James Montgomery
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Christie Klimas: Environmental Science and Studies, DePaul University, 1110 W. Belden Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Allison Williams: Environmental Science and Studies, DePaul University, 1110 W. Belden Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Megan Hoff: Environmental Science and Studies, DePaul University, 1110 W. Belden Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Beth Lawrence: Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Mansfield, CT 06269, USA
Jennifer Thompson: Environmental Science and Studies, DePaul University, 1110 W. Belden Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
James Montgomery: Environmental Science and Studies, DePaul University, 1110 W. Belden Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA

Sustainability, 2016, vol. 8, issue 9, 1-21

Abstract: This study investigates small-scale variability in ecosystem services and disservices that is important for sustainable planning in urban areas (including suburbs surrounding the urban core). We quantified and valued natural capital (tree and soil carbon stocks) ecosystem services (annual tree carbon sequestration and pollutant uptake, and stormwater runoff reduction) and disservices (greenhouse gas emissions and soil soluble reactive phosphorus) within a 30-hectare heterogeneous green space that included approximately 13% wetland, 13% prairie, 16% forest, and 55% subdivision. We found similar soil organic carbon across green space types, but spatial heterogeneity in other ecosystem services and disservices. The value of forest tree carbon stock was estimated at approximately $10,000 per hectare. Tree carbon sequestration, and pollutant uptake added benefits of $1000+ per hectare per year. Annual per hectare benefits from tree carbon stock and ecosystem services in the subdivision were each 63% of forest values. Total annual greenhouse gas emissions had significant spatial and temporal variation. Soil soluble reactive phosphorus was significantly higher in the wetland than in forest and prairie. Our results have implications for urban planning. Adding or improving ecosystem service provision on small (private or public) urban or suburban lots may benefit from careful consideration of small-scale variability.

Keywords: urban ecosystem valuation; green space; soil organic carbon; soil soluble reactive phosphorus; greenhouse gas emissions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:9:p:853-:d:76893

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