4 Ecosystem Choices, for Better or Worse.

ECOLOGY; ECOLOGY projects; ENVIRONMENTAL quality; EROSION; ENVIRONMENTAL degradation; WATER supply

The article presents four scenarios to depict choices that societies might make regarding ecosystems, as part of the project Millennium Ecosystem Assessment undertaken by scientists. In each of these scenarios, the choices will lead to improvement and worsening of the ecosystem. One scenario is global orchestration in which society makes efforts to reduce poverty and invest in public goods like education and health. This choice can harm ecosystems in developing countries, where the result is erosion and storm damage. Another scenario can be referred to as adapting mosaic, in which politics and economic activity focus on regional ecosystems. While this system improves ecosystem health, it also cuts food and fresh-water supply in developing world.