7.1B Ecosystem services Notes

Life-Supporting Ecosystem Services

Ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining environmental stability by providing essential services that sustain life.

Water Replenishment

Ecosystems help regulate and maintain water supplies through processes like:

1. Forest Watersheds: Trees absorb and store rainwater, releasing it gradually to prevent floods and ensure steady river flow.
2. Wetlands & Aquifers: Wetlands act as natural filters, replenishing groundwater and improving water quality.

Flood & Erosion Protection

Natural ecosystems act as barriers against natural disasters:

1. Mangroves & Coastal Wetlands: Reduce the impact of storm surges and tsunamis by absorbing wave energy.
2. Forests & Grasslands: Prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the land with roots, reducing landslides and desertification.

Pollution Mitigation

Ecosystems act as natural filters, removing pollutants from water, air, and soil:

1. Reed Beds & Wetlands: Remove excess nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus) from agricultural runoff, preventing water pollution.
2. Forests: Absorb air pollutants (like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides), improving air quality.

Carbon Sequestration

Ecosystems help store carbon, reducing atmospheric CO₂ and mitigating climate change:

1. Forests & Peatlands: Absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis, acting as carbon sinks.
2. Soil & Oceanic Algae: Store carbon in organic matter and sediments.

Why Are These Services Important?

Without these ecosystem services, we would face:

1. More frequent & intense natural disasters (floods, droughts, landslides).
2. Higher pollution levels affecting human health.
3. Accelerated climate change due to excess CO₂.
4. Declining biodiversity impacting food chains and ecosystem stability.