Nature's Services

Nature’s Services makes a compelling case for why the health of natural ecosystems is inseparable from the health of human societies. Behind every economy, every supply chain, and every breath of fresh air are invisible services provided by nature—clean water, climate regulation, soil fertility, pollination, and countless others. This groundbreaking volume brings those services into view, revealing their true worth and the urgent need to protect them.

Edited by Gretchen Daily and featuring contributions from leading scientists such as Paul R. Ehrlich, Jane Lubchenco, Sandra Postel, Robert Costanza, and others, the book offers a multidisciplinary synthesis of how ecosystem services function and why they are essential to modern life. Readers will gain a deep understanding of services often taken for granted, along with insights into how their disruption threatens food systems, public health, and global stability.

Chapters explore climate control, nutrient cycling, pest regulation, and ecosystem valuation—pairing theory with real-world case studies to show both the science and economics behind nature’s contributions. The book also addresses how we can integrate these insights into better policy, planning, and conservation.

Rich in science and grounded in relevance, Nature’s Services equips environmental professionals, economists, and engaged citizens with the knowledge to champion nature not as a luxury, but as the life-support system it truly is.