What is the value of ourenvironment?

This SlideShare explains howthe ONS and Defra are accounting

for UK natural capital.

Nature provides servicesessential for our wellbeingand long term prosperity

These include food and medicines as well as climate regulation and natural flood defences.

Measuring and valuing these servicesare one way ONS and Defra are accounting

for the environment in official statistics.

The services nature provides canbe divided into 3 categories…

Material, food and energye.g. timber, oil

1. Provisioning

The value of wind to the power generation industry has grown by 233%

since 2010 to £1.8 billion.

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

£ Billion

20142013201220112010

Source: UK Natural Capital, Monetary Estimates, 2016

Whilst, the annual value of abstractingnon-renewable sources such as oil and gas fellfrom £24.5 billion in 2011 to £7.1 billion in 2014.

£ Billion

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2014201320122011

Source: UK Natural Capital, Monetary Estimates, 2016

Benefits from regulating naturee.g air filtration, flood protection

2. Regulating

Carbon sequestration, which is removing carbon from the air, was valued at £1.67 billion in 2014.

Non-material benefitse.g. Recreation, education

3. Cultural

Visits to the natural environment have steadily increased over the past 7 years. These visits

include trips to the beach or walking on moorlands.

Visits to the natural environment, UK

0

Millions

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

201420132012201120102009

Source: UK Natural Capital, Monetary Estimates, 2016

The amount spent whilst visiting the natural environment and travelling to these places is at

its lowest point in 7 years.

Total amount spent on admissionand travel during visits

£ Billion

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

201420132012201120102009

Source: UK Natural Capital, Monetary Estimates, 2016

Not all services are measured yet, but we aim to have them fully operational by 2020.

 Once complete, decision makers will be better informed to include the environment in their

plans.

Keep in touch

Find out more about the natural capital work taking place

For more information, visit our website

www.ons.gov.uk

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