The Role of Ecosystem Services in Increasing the Adaptive Capacity of the Poor

Abstract

Adaptation to climate change can mean different things; it can refer to technical solutions or the changing insurance systems. In this chapter, the significance of biodiversity and ecosystems for human adaptation is assessed, focussing particularly on poor people. The concept of ecosystem services according to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (Reid et al., Living beyond our means: Natural assets and human well-being (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Statement from the Board). Island Press, Washington, DC, 2005) is used to analyse the different ecosystem services in different sectors, ranging from agrobiodiversity, through urban cities to coastal systems. As ecosystems still suffer from inadequate economic appreciation, ways to increase the power of ecosystem based adaptations are discussed.