An integrated approach to understanding the linkages between ecosystem services and human well‐being

A significant impact of natural disasters on human well-being and dependence on ecosystem services (ES) was quantified, with disadvantaged households experiencing greater losses. The study, conducted at Wolong Nature Reserve, China, used integrated indicators and models to analyze how the Wenchuan Earthquake affected ES dependence and well-being across multiple dimensions. It found that diversifying ES dependence can mitigate disaster impacts, providing empirical evidence for using quantitative indicators to advance understanding of ES-human well-being linkages.

Yang, W., Dietz, T., Kramer, D. B., Ouyang, Z., & Liu, J. (2015). An integrated approach to understanding the linkages between ecosystem services and human well‐being. Ecosystem Health and Sustainability, 1(5), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1890/ehs15-0001.1