Natural capital is the sum of renewable and non-renewable resources + ecosystem services. All that we need and all that we want is ultimately derived from the natural world. Natural capital includes lakes and streams, forests and wetlands, croplands and fertile soils. The vital ecosystem services conveyed by this natural wealth are free amenities to humans. From flood control and water purification to carbon sequestration and climate regulation, they supply what humans require to meet their daily and long-term needs.
Supporting services such as photosynthesis, seed dispersal and nutrient cycling underpin habitats and genetic resources that sustain Earth's biodiversity. Provisioning services supply our energy needs, food and medicine, while pollination, pest and disease control and recycling of wastes are indispensable regulating services. Recreational, aesthetic and spiritual connections, along with scientific and educational opportunities are cultural services that enrich the human experience.
Minimizing the human ecological footprint is essential for avoiding ecological impoverishment. Adherence to three key principles of environmental sustainability improve the prospects for future generations.
Reliance on Solar Energy
Preserve Biodiversity
Nutrient Cycling