Luonnonpääoma

Luonnonpääoma refers to the stock of natural assets that provide goods and services to humans. These assets include renewable resources like forests, fisheries, and soil, as well as non-renewable resources such as minerals and fossil fuels. It also encompasses the natural systems that support life, such as ecosystems, biodiversity, and the atmosphere. The concept of luonnonpääoma is fundamental to understanding sustainable development, as it highlights the dependence of economic and social well-being on the health and availability of natural resources.

Degradation of luonnonpääoma can have significant economic and social consequences. For instance, deforestation can lead to soil erosion, reduced water quality, and loss of biodiversity, impacting industries like agriculture and tourism. Overfishing can deplete fish stocks, threatening food security and the livelihoods of fishing communities. Climate change, driven by the excessive emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, is another critical example of luonnonpääoma degradation with far-reaching effects.

Managing luonnonpääoma sustainably involves practices that ensure the long-term productivity and availability of natural resources and systems. This includes conservation efforts, sustainable resource management, pollution control, and the transition to renewable energy sources. Valuing luonnonpääoma in economic terms, through methods like natural capital accounting, is also gaining importance to inform policy decisions and promote responsible resource use. The goal is to maintain or enhance the natural capital stock for present and future generations.