PreprintCited by 20Land Use and Ecosystem ServicesSustainable Development and Environmental PolicyAquatic Ecosystems and Biodiversity

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 1 of the 1 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

The Global Value of Freshwater Lakes

Open access
Li, Xingming, Tsigaris, Panagiotis·2023·Ecology Letters

Preprint — published as 10.1111/ele.14388 · Paper page

Abstract

Lakes face threats from human activities like unsustainable development, population growth, and industrial technologies. These challenges impact the ecosystem services of lakes. Research has assessed the value of services from freshwater biomes annually. This article reviews these values, estimating lakes’ global ecosystem services to be within the region of USD 1.5 to 5.5 trillion annually. Their natural asset value is estimated at USD 100 - 337 trillion, comparable to value of global real estate, assuming a relatively high social discount rate to account for future increased standard of livings. Considering environmental degradation, future generations may experience a lower living standard. Using a 0.1% discount rate, recognizing potential harm and aligning with indigenous values, raises the lakes’ value to USD 1,500 - 5,500 trillion which is at least equal to the global value of wealth created. This valuation is shared by all, unlike the skewed distribution of created wealth.

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Crossref · 10.22541/au.169773124.41566860/v1

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Metadata

Authors
Li, X., & Tsigaris, P.
Affiliations
Thompson Rivers University (CA)
Corresponding author
Tsigaris, Panagiotis
Venue
Ecology Letters
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2023-10-19
Volume
27
Issue
2
Pages
e14388-e14388
ISSN
1461-023X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4392128246
Cited by
20
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 7
FWCI
0.92
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc-nd
Locations
  • Ecology Letters (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Land Use and Ecosystem Services
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law › Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Aquatic Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Keywords
freshwater lakes, ecosystem services, economic valuation, natural capital, social discount rate, environmental degradation, indigenous values, wealth distribution
MeSH terms
Conservation of Natural Resources, Humans, Ecosystem, Lakes

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