Item talk:Q160221

An Ecosystem Services Approach to Climate Adaptation Research

Ecosystem services – the benefits that nature provides to people – are a natural link between ecosystem functions and economic and social impacts. However, climate change is already impacting and altering ecosystem services. Research focused on all aspects of ecosystem services falls within the mission of the Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs). While knowledge of ecosystem services supply is strong, analyses of service delivery and value currently fall outside the research agenda and capacity of the CASCs This project will draw on existing literature and expertise and experiences of CASC leadership and staff to identify the types of ecosystem services and the value of information of CASC research that are most relevant to CASC stakeholder agencies, and not already provided by other research groups. Two reports will be produced, expressing research agendas on these two social science topics, and justifying the rationale for CASC focus on recommended issues. Research agendas will consider the mission and strengths of the CASCs, the decision-making purview of stakeholder agencies, and the capacities of similar agencies. Reports will be co-produced with input from CASC leadership and staff, and public executive summaries will be shared through University of Minnesota, including the Institute on the Environment and its networks. Understanding how ecosystem services can be managed may provide decision makers with more comprehensive adaptation solutions.