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Journal Article

The Hidden Value of Trees: Quantifying the Ecosystem Services of Tree Lineages and Their Major Threats Across the Contiguous US

Jeannine M. Cavender-Bares, Erik Nelson, Jose Eduardo Meireles, Jesse R. Lasky, Daniela A. Miteva, David J. Nowak, William D. Pearse, Matthew R. Helmus, Amy E. Zanne, William F. Fagan, Christopher Mihiar, Nicholas Z. Muller, Nathan J.B. Kraft, Stephen Polasky • PLOS Sustainability and Transformation • 2022
ecosystem services tree valuation carbon storage air quality biodiversity

Summary

Quantifies the value of U.S. tree ecosystem services at $114 billion annually, revealing that non-market 'hidden' services from carbon storage (51%) and air pollution removal (37%) far exceed commercial timber value (12%).

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Abstract

We quantify the ecosystem services generated by U.S. trees in forests, orchards, and plantations across five key services, finding a total value of $114 billion per annum (low: $85B; high: $137B; 2010 USD).

The non-market “hidden” ecosystem services of trees from carbon storage (51% of total value) and air pollution removal (37%) far exceed their commercial value from wood products and food crops (12%).

Why It Matters

Understanding the true value of trees helps inform:

  • Conservation priorities and investment decisions
  • Climate change mitigation strategies
  • Air quality management and public health policy
  • Biodiversity protection

Key Findings

  1. U.S. trees generate $114 billion annually in ecosystem services
  2. Carbon storage accounts for 51% of total value
  3. Air pollution removal accounts for 37% of value
  4. Commercial wood and food products account for only 12%
  5. The most valuable tree species and lineages are also among those most threatened by pests and pathogens
  6. Species most valuable for carbon storage face the greatest risk from increasing fire threat

Threats to Tree Value

These benefits are threatened by:

  • Climate change altering growing conditions
  • Increasing wildfire frequency and intensity
  • Pests and pathogens affecting key species
  • Land use change reducing forest cover

Citation

Cavender-Bares, J. M., Nelson, E., Meireles, J. E., Lasky, J. R., Miteva, D. A., Nowak, D. J., Pearse, W. D., Helmus, M. R., Zanne, A. E., Fagan, W. F., Mihiar, C., Muller, N. Z., Kraft, N. J. B., & Polasky, S. (2022). The Hidden Value of Trees: Quantifying the Ecosystem Services of Tree Lineages and Their Major Threats Across the Contiguous US. PLOS Sustainability and Transformation, 1(4), e0000010. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pstr.0000010

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