Economics of Ecosystems
The economics of ecosystem addresses tackles the multiple interrelationships between the different systems involved—population, land, soil, water, chemicals, climate, crop management systems, and the global trade situation. In particular, cross-sectoral issues such as REDD and LULUCF are addressed here.
The following challenges guide this research area: We need to feed a growing number of mouths: over 9 billion in 2050. Scientists estimate that, globally, only ±250–300 m ha of suitable land are available for agricultural expansion. There is decreased agricultural output in many countries, mainly due to underinvestment. Developing countries especially need technical and technological innovation to improve yields, including new cultivars that can withstand changes in climate, for example, greater aridity and our future climate is unpredictable—will there be enough rain each year? We also need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050 to curb further climate change.