We are excited to announce a new paper! For the first time in literature, this study systematically and comprehensively examines a critical yet underexplored aspect of urban ecosystems: ecosystem disservices (EDS).
For the first time in literature, this paper sheds light on a critical yet underexplored aspect of urban ecosystems in a systematic and comprehensive manner: ecosystem disservices (EDS). While much attention has been given to ecosystem services (ES) and their integration into policy, particularly with politically endorsed frameworks like MEA, TEEB and IPBES, disservices remain insufficiently studied. The ES concept alone fails to capture the socio-ecological dynamics and the complexity of the real-world, and identifying a process solely as a ‘service’ because it benefits humans, often overlooks fundamental ecological principles where interactions between species and environment produce varying outcomes across time and space. By identifying 24 different EDS types with direct policy relevance, our review pushes for a shift in urban planning strategies that accounts for both positive and negative aspects of nature.
We call for the development of standardized, evidence-based approaches to assess EDS, which would facilitate more precise, data-driven urban frameworks. Our review also further highlights the geographical bias in current EDS research, predominantly focused on European cities, and stresses the need for a more inclusive understanding that address the unique challenges faced by rapidly growing cities in the Global South. We emphasize the role of socio-economic and geographical factors, ensuring policies are responsive to local contexts. As cities face increasing pressures from urbanization, public health, climate change and social inequalities, our paper offers a foundation for building resilient, equitable and sustainable urban environment where both humans and nature can coexist and thrive.
The EDS evaluation approach was laid down to the BETTER Life tool “Integrating Citizens’ Perceptions of Urban Environmental Quality into Inclusive City Planning Processes”, and used for constructing the participatory decision making tool.
📖 Read more here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2025.100612