Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of Boxes
- Preface
- Prologue Environmental changes and ecosystem effects: two historical examples
- Section I History and concepts
- Section II Ecosystem structure and function
- Section III Ecosystem dynamics at different time scales
- Section IV Applications
- Chapter 14 Air pollution and forest ecosystems
- Chapter 15 Global change
- Epilogue Society and terrestrial ecosystem ecology
- Appendix 1 Abbreviations
- Appendix 2 Glossary
- Appendix 3 Some useful values and symbols used to represent them
- Appendix 4 Information and data on selected ecosystems
- References
- Index
- Plate section
- References
Epilogue - Society and terrestrial ecosystem ecology
from Section IV - Applications
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of Boxes
- Preface
- Prologue Environmental changes and ecosystem effects: two historical examples
- Section I History and concepts
- Section II Ecosystem structure and function
- Section III Ecosystem dynamics at different time scales
- Section IV Applications
- Chapter 14 Air pollution and forest ecosystems
- Chapter 15 Global change
- Epilogue Society and terrestrial ecosystem ecology
- Appendix 1 Abbreviations
- Appendix 2 Glossary
- Appendix 3 Some useful values and symbols used to represent them
- Appendix 4 Information and data on selected ecosystems
- References
- Index
- Plate section
- References
Summary
In this epilogue we will deal with using our knowledge of terrestrial ecosystem ecology. There is always an interest in basic science arising from the curiosity to learn and understand more. However, at the same time there is a demand to apply the knowledge or principles of our discipline for the good of society – a utilitarian demand. Terrestrial ecosystem ecology serves then as a base for understanding, utilising and managing natural resources.
Humanity depends on natural resources. The sustainable use of services which ecosystems provide us with has today come into focus. These ecosystem services are essential components for our wellbeing and while this has increased, it is at the cost of fast degradation of our ecosystems and the loss of ecosystem services. There are international and national rules, laws or constraints setting the framework within which we use our natural resources, but there is an increased need to modify present policies, institutions and practices. Therefore, we need close links between society and science.
Humanity or society depends on Nature and its resources, not the reverse. These resources give a number of benefits: social, economic and environmental. The ecosystem then provides us with a number of functions (ENFORS 2005) or benefits, today often called ecosystem services. The global and local economies, as well as our social needs create a demand for resources. The use of a resource is in many cases built upon historical aspects and legacies. A number of factors determine the way we use the resource (Figure Epi. 1). These factors are by their nature social, economic and biological-ecological. They can be seen as forces or constraints.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Terrestrial Ecosystem EcologyPrinciples and Applications, pp. 275 - 283Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2011