Browsing by Author "Guerry, AD"

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    Humans and nature: How knowing and experiencing nature affect well-being
    (Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 2013-10-01) Russell, R; Guerry, AD; Balvanera, P; Gould, RK; Basurto, X; Chan, KMA; Klain, S; Levine, J; Tam, J
    Ecosystems provide many of the material building blocks for human well-being. Although quantification and appreciation of such contributions have rapidly grown, our dependence upon cultural connections to nature deserves more attention. We synthesize multidisciplinary peer-reviewed research on contributions of nature or ecosystems to human well-being mediated through nontangible connections (such as culture). We characterize these connections on the basis of the channels through which such connections arise (i.e., knowing, perceiving, interacting with, and living within) and the components of human well-being they affect (e.g., physical, mental and spiritual health, inspiration, identity). We found enormous variation in the methods used, quantity of research, and generalizability of the literature. The effects of nature on mental and physical health have been rigorously demonstrated, whereas other effects (e.g., on learning) are theorized but seldom demonstrated. The balance of evidence indicates conclusively that knowing and experiencing nature makes us generally happier, healthier people. More fully characterizing our intangible connections with nature will help shape decisions that benefit people and the ecosystems on which we depend. © 2013 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved.
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    Where are cultural and social in ecosystem services? A framework for constructive engagement
    (BioScience, 2012-08-01) Chan, KMA; Guerry, AD; Balvanera, P; Klain, S; Satterfield, T; Basurto, X; Bostrom, A; Chuenpagdee, R; Gould, R; Halpern, BS; Hannahs, N; Levine, J; Norton, B; Ruckelshaus, M; Russell, R; Tam, J; Woodside, U
    A focus on ecosystem services (ES) is seen as a means for improving decisionmaking. In the research to date, the valuation of the material contributions of ecosystems to human well-being has been emphasized, with less attention to important cultural ES and nonmaterial values. This gap persists because there is no commonly accepted framework for eliciting less tangible values, characterizing their changes, and including them alongside other services in decisionmaking. Here, we develop such a framework for ES research and practice, addressing three challenges: (1) Nonmaterial values are ill suited to characterization using monetary methods; (2) it is difficult to unequivocally link particular changes in socioecological systems to particular changes in cultural benefits; and (3) cultural benefits are associated with many services, not just cultural ES. There is no magic bullet, but our framework may facilitate fuller and more socially acceptable integrations of ES information into planning and management. © 2012 by American Institute of Biological Sciences. All rights reserved.