Economic Impact of Metro Parks Tacoma Ecosystem Services

Part III II

Climate Regulation

Climate regulation refers to the roles that ecosystems play in regulating the gaseous phase of organic and inorganic compounds that affect atmospheric composition and climate. Atmospheric oxygen is a product of photosynthesis from marine plankton and terrestrial plants. The regulation of climate is dependent on the composition of the atmosphere. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greenhouse gasesâ&#x20AC;? such as CO2 are transparent to light but trap heat, warming the planet like a greenhouse. Carbon dioxide is removed as plants absorb CO2 to grow.

Published on Jan 15, 2012

Rowan Schmidt

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This report identifies 23 ecosystem services provided by the natural capital present in Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT) parks. Of these, 10 ecosystem services have been assigned value using eight valuation techniques including market value and cost avoidance. The results are compelling: By assigning value to ecosystem services like reducing the frequency and severity of urban floods, supporting fisheries and food production, maintaining critical habitat, enhancing recreation and providing waste treatment, MPT park ecosystems provide between $3.6 million and $13.0 million in benefits to the regional economy every year. The social capital and education and health benefits provided by MPT parks are worth approximately $18.2 million per year.

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