Understanding ecosystem services in a metacoupled world

Abstract

Driven by intensive globalization and technological development, shifting from place-based research on ecosystem services to an understanding of multiple human and natural interactions within the focal system, as well as between adjacent and distant systems, is becoming an urgent necessity. An integrated framework of metacoupling (socio-economic-environmental interactions within and across borders) is proposed to address this shift. Here, I have demonstrated the utility of the metacoupling framework, which includes intracoupling, pericoupling, and telecoupling, in the assessment of ecosystem services. I have referred to three examples from China (water supply, soybean production and trade, banana planation and displacement). I have also provided regulations and cautions in the application of the metacoupling framework. Strengthening the assessment of ecosystem services with the metacoupling framework can yield important insights toward sustaining ecosystem service provisions, balancing trade, offs, promoting regional and global cooperation, and achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.