Yorkshire Philosophical Society

Event Information

Hidden nature, hidden value

A lecture by Professor Alastair Fitter, CBE, FRS, University of York

We understand and often respond to the threats to conspicuous and charismatic species, and so implicitly place a value on them. However how can we decide how much protection should be given to obscure or even invisible species? It may be those unsung species that make our world habitable and keep us safe.  This lecture will discuss ecosystem services and their place in the modern world.

Report

Why should we value nature? Professor Fitter argued forcefully for an understanding of the different ways in which we depend on nature, and of what is at stake if we ignore the essential services it supplies.

Charismatic species and areas of natural beauty have little problem in attracting support. Less glamorous species and ecosystems are often more threatened. Why does this matter?  Because ecosystems provide services which support mankind. These include provisioning services (e.g. food crops, fisheries, timber); regulating services (climate, water); cultural services (recreation); and supporting services (primary production by plants, the basis of all other services; insect pollination essential for crops).

Ecosystem services are essential: too often we have exploited one to the detriment of others. Agriculture generally increases the yield of a single crop at the expense of biodiversity, crucial to maintaining primary production, decomposition, nutrient cycles, and soil formation). Rational management of the landscape would support these other essential services, at the cost of a (possible) slight reduction in crop yield.

When nature is under threat from an increasing human demand for resources, and the increasing effects of climate change, can we afford not to safeguard the essential ecosystem services on which we depend?

Peter Hogarth