Global Study Highlights Growing Mismatch in Ecosystem Services Supply and Demand

A new global study provides a detailed analysis of the supply-demand relationships of four critical ecosystem services—food production, carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and water yield—over the past two decades. Published in Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, the research highlights how climate change and human activities are reshaping these essential services, with some regions facing growing ecological deficits.

The study, conducted by researchers from Nanjing Agricultural University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, utilized satellite data and multi-model coupling to track changes from 2000 to 2020. It found that while food production and soil conservation are generally in surplus, carbon sequestration and water yield are experiencing alarming deficits, particularly in densely populated or industrialized areas. The research underscores the importance of understanding the dual influence of climate variability and human intervention in addressing these ecological mismatches.

Dr. Wei Wu, the corresponding author, emphasizes the need for smart policy-making that recognizes the interaction between climate change and human activities. The study's findings offer valuable insights for crafting effective land-use and conservation strategies, aiming to ensure that nature continues to sustain society amidst accelerating environmental changes.