对经济健康的更全面评估
A more comprehensive assessment of economic health
联合研究中心是欧盟委员会的科学和知识服务机构，旨在为欧洲决策过程提供基于证据的科学支持，该中心最近发布了 “宏观经济模型中的生态系统生产总值”。该报告通过将生态系统服务的价值纳入宏观经济框架，引入了一种经济分析的变革性方法。传统的经济指标，如国内生产总值（GDP），在涵盖经济贡献的全范围方面一直存在不足，特别是那些由自然生态系统提供的贡献。本报告主张采用生态系统生产总值（GEP）作为 GDP 的补充指标，旨在提供一个更全面的经济健康评估，其中包括从生态系统中带来的益处。
The Joint Research Centre, the European Commission’s science and knowledge service which aims to provide evidence-based scientific support to the European policymaking process, recently released the “Gross Ecosystem Product in Macroeconomic Modelling”. The report introduces a transformative approach to economic analysis by integrating the value of ecosystem services into macroeconomic frameworks. Traditional economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) have been inadequate in capturing the full range of economic contributions, particularly those provided by natural ecosystems. This report advocates for the adoption of the Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) as a complementary metric to GDP, aiming to offer a more comprehensive assessment of economic health that includes the benefits derived from ecosystems.
创新亮点
Innovative Highlights
生态系统生产总值
Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP)
该报告的主要创新在于创建了 GEP 指标，该指标量化了生态系统服务的经济价值。与衡量人类活动所生产的商品和服务货币价值的 GDP 不同，GEP 涵盖了自然生态系统提供的益处，如空气净化、水过滤、碳封存和生物多样性。通过将 GEP 与 GDP 相结合，政策制定者可以获得包含人力和自然资本的经济表现的整体视图。
The report’s primary innovation is the creation of the GEP metric, which quantifies the economic value of ecosystem services. Unlike GDP, which measures the monetary value of goods and services produced by human activity, GEP accounts for the benefits provided by natural ecosystems such as air purification, water filtration, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. By integrating GEP with GDP, policymakers can gain a holistic view of economic performance that encompasses both human and natural capital.
Source: European Union
图片来源：欧洲联盟
与 MAGNET 模型的整合
Integration with MAGNET Model
报告中强调的一项重大进展是将 GEP 模块纳入模块化应用一般均衡工具（MAGNET）模型。MAGNET 模型以其对全球经济和环境相互作用的详细表述而闻名，特别是在土地利用和林业部门。通过将 GEP 嵌入 MAGNET 中，该模型现在可以更准确地模拟环境政策的经济影响，评估 GDP 和 GEP 的结果。这种整合允许进行全面的情景分析，为各种政策选择的长期可持续性提供见解。
A significant advancement highlighted in the report is the incorporation of the GEP module into the Modular Applied GeNeral Equilibrium Tool (MAGNET) model. The MAGNET model is renowned for its detailed representation of global economic and environmental interactions, particularly in land use and forestry sectors. By embedding GEP within MAGNET, the model can now simulate the economic impacts of environmental policies more accurately, evaluating both GDP and GEP outcomes. This integration allows for comprehensive scenario analysis, providing insights into the long-term sustainability of various policy choices.
政策情景模拟
Policy Scenario Simulations
该报告的一个关键特征是具有前瞻性的政策情景，它研究了消费模式的重大变化。初步模拟表明，对 GDP 和 GEP 的影响在不同的生态系统服务中可能有很大差异，突出了在经济评估中纳入生态系统估值的重要性。
A key feature of the report is a forward-looking policy scenario that examines significant changes in consumption patterns. The preliminary simulations indicate that the impacts on GDP and GEP can vary considerably across different ecosystem services, highlighting the importance of including ecosystem valuation in economic assessments.
该报告展示了几个政策情景，以证明 GEP 框架的实际应用。一个值得注意的情景探讨了欧洲肉类消费减少的影响。研究结果表明，这种饮食转变可能会减少肉类进口，并减少巴西等国的森林砍伐，从而提高巴西的 GEP，同时略微降低其 GDP。这种情景说明了在决策中考虑经济和生态影响的重要性，强调了不同生态系统服务之间的权衡和协同作用。
The report features several policy scenarios to demonstrate the practical applications of the GEP framework. One notable scenario explores the impact of reduced meat consumption in Europe. The findings suggest that such dietary shifts could decrease meat imports and reduce deforestation in countries like Brazil, subsequently enhancing Brazil’s GEP while slightly lowering its GDP. This scenario illustrates the importance of considering both economic and ecological impacts in policy-making, emphasizing the trade-offs and synergies between different ecosystem services.
全球相关性和采用
Global Relevance and Adoption
GEP 概念正在获得国际认可和采用。联合国统计委员会于 2021 年批准了生态系统核算的全球标准，为各国将生态系统服务价值纳入其国民经济核算铺平了道路。中国一直处于这一运动的前沿，将 GEP 与 GDP 一起用于为政策决策提供信息并评估环境和经济表现。包括荷兰和冰岛在内的其他国家也在探索将生态系统服务价值纳入其经济框架，突显了 GEP 方法的全球相关性。
The GEP concept is gaining international recognition and adoption. The United Nations Statistical Commission’s approval of a global standard for Ecosystem Accounting in 2021 has set the stage for countries to integrate ecosystem service values into their national economic accounts. China has been at the forefront of this movement, using GEP alongside GDP to inform policy decisions and assess environmental and economic performance. Other countries, including the Netherlands and Iceland, are also exploring the integration of ecosystem service values into their economic frameworks, underscoring the global relevance of the GEP approach.
挑战和未来方向
Challenges and Future Directions
尽管具有潜力，但 GEP 的广泛采用面临若干挑战。其中关键的是数据可用性和准确评估生态系统服务的复杂性。该报告呼吁不断改进数据收集和方法改进，以提高 GEP 指标的精度和可靠性。未来的努力将集中在扩大 GEP 计算中包含的生态系统服务范围和提高生态系统服务供应功能的特异性。这些进展对于使 GEP 成为经济和环境决策中强大且普遍适用的工具至关重要。
Despite its potential, the widespread adoption of GEP faces several challenges. Key among these are data availability and the complexity of accurately valuing ecosystem services. The report calls for ongoing improvements in data collection and methodological refinements to enhance the precision and reliability of the GEP metric. Future efforts will focus on broadening the scope of ecosystem services included in GEP calculations and improving the specificity of ecosystem service supply functions. These advancements are crucial for making GEP a robust and universally applicable tool in economic and environmental policy-making.
GEP 与 GDP 的影响比较
Impact of GEP Compared to GDP
从社会角度来看，GEP 的引入通过认识到生态系统服务的直接和间接益处，提供了对经济福利更全面的看法。与仅关注市场交易的 GDP 不同，GEP 捕捉了非市场益处的价值，如清洁的空气、水和生物多样性。这种更广泛的观点可以导致促进可持续性和提高生活质量的政策。
From a social perspective, the introduction of GEP offers a more holistic view of economic welfare by recognizing the direct and indirect benefits of ecosystem services. Unlike GDP, which focuses solely on market transactions, GEP captures the value of non-market benefits such as clean air, water, and biodiversity. This broader perspective can lead to policies that promote sustainability and improve quality of life.
在经济方面，GEP 通过纳入自然资本的价值，为一个国家的财富提供了更准确的衡量标准。传统的 GDP 往往忽视了自然资源的消耗和环境退化，导致对经济进步的看法出现扭曲。GEP 通过核算生态系统服务的经济贡献来解决这一差距，促进更可持续的经济增长方式。
Economically, GEP provides a more accurate measure of a nation’s wealth by including the value of natural capital. Traditional GDP often overlooks the depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation, leading to a distorted view of economic progress. GEP addresses this gap by accounting for the economic contributions of ecosystem services, promoting a more sustainable approach to economic growth.
在技术上，GEP 的实施需要在数据收集和整合方面取得进展。卫星图像、环境传感器和先进建模技术的使用可以对生态系统服务进行精确估值。这种技术整合确保 GEP 仍然是经济评估中强大且可靠的指标。
Technically, the implementation of GEP requires advancements in data collection and integration. The use of satellite imagery, environmental sensors, and advanced modeling techniques allows for precise valuation of ecosystem services. This technological integration ensures that GEP remains a robust and reliable metric for economic assessment.
GEP 与减缓气候变化
GEP and Climate Change Mitigation
GEP 在气候变化挑战中的作用是显著的。通过对有助于碳封存的生态系统服务（如森林和湿地）进行估值，GEP 突出了维护和恢复这些生态系统的经济重要性。这种估值可以推动对自然基础设施的投资，支持碳中和目标并增强对气候影响的抵御能力。
GEP’s role in the climate change challenge is significant. By valuing ecosystem services that contribute to carbon sequestration, such as forests and wetlands, GEP highlights the economic importance of maintaining and restoring these ecosystems. This valuation can drive investment in natural infrastructure, supporting carbon-neutral goals and enhancing resilience to climate impacts.
Source：Telangana Today
图片来源：Telangana Today
此外，GEP 通过推动激励保护和增强自然生态系统的政策来支持脱碳进程。例如，认识到碳封存的经济价值可以导致为重新造林项目和现有森林的保护提供更多资金。这种方法使经济激励与环境可持续性相一致，促进向低碳经济的转型。将 GEP 框架纳入宏观经济模型对全球脱碳努力具有重要意义。
Furthermore, GEP supports the decarbonization process by promoting policies that incentivize the preservation and enhancement of natural ecosystems. For instance, recognizing the economic value of carbon sequestration can lead to increased funding for reforestation projects and the protection of existing forests. This approach aligns economic incentives with environmental sustainability, fostering a transition to a low-carbon economy. The incorporation of the GEP framework into macroeconomic modelling holds significant implications for global decarbonization efforts.
诸如森林、湿地和海洋等生态系统是至关重要的碳汇，在吸收二氧化碳和缓解气候变化方面发挥着关键作用。通过 GEP 对这些生态系统服务进行估值，政策制定者能够认识到保护和恢复自然栖息地的经济益处，这对于实现碳中和和应对气候变化至关重要。GEP 框架还促进了对绿色基础设施和基于自然的解决方案的投资。认识到生态系统的经济价值可以为增强生物多样性、提高生态系统恢复力和提供气候适应效益的项目带来更多资金。例如，重新造林、湿地恢复和可持续的土地管理做法不仅有助于碳封存，还支持生物多样性和改善水质。这些投资对于创建能够抵御气候变化影响的可持续和有弹性的经济至关重要。
Ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and oceans are vital carbon sinks, playing a critical role in sequestering carbon dioxide and mitigating climate change. By valuing these ecosystem services through GEP, policymakers can recognize the economic benefits of preserving and restoring natural habitats, which is essential for achieving carbon neutrality and combating climate change.The GEP framework also promotes investment in green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. Recognizing the economic value of ecosystems can lead to increased funding for projects that enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem resilience, and provide climate adaptation benefits. For instance, reforestation, wetland restoration, and sustainable land management practices not only contribute to carbon sequestration but also support biodiversity and improve water quality. These investments are crucial for creating a sustainable and resilient economy that can withstand the impacts of climate change.
此外，采用 GEP 可以推动政策向更可持续的消费和生产模式转变。通过强调与不同经济活动相关的环境成本和效益，GEP 可以为鼓励可持续实践和减少环境退化的政策提供信息。例如，促进可持续农业、减少食物浪费和鼓励植物性饮食的政策可以显著减少食品生产和消费的环境足迹，有助于经济和生态的可持续性。
Furthermore, the adoption of GEP can drive policy shifts towards more sustainable consumption and production patterns. By highlighting the environmental costs and benefits associated with different economic activities, GEP can inform policies that encourage sustainable practices and reduce environmental degradation. For example, policies promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, and encouraging plant-based diets can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of food production and consumption, contributing to both economic and ecological sustainability.
结论
Conclusion
生态系统生产总值框架代表了将环境考虑因素纳入经济政策方面的重大进步。通过重视自然的贡献，GEP 提供了一个将经济增长与生态可持续性相结合的综合工具。这种方法不仅支持明智的决策制定，而且在全球脱碳努力中发挥着至关重要的作用。 GEP 框架确保经济发展不以牺牲环境健康为代价，促进经济增长的平衡和可持续发展。
The Gross Ecosystem Product framework represents a significant advancement in integrating environmental considerations into economic policy. By valuing the contributions of nature, GEP provides a comprehensive tool that aligns economic growth with ecological sustainability. This approach not only supports informed policy-making but also plays a vital role in the global efforts towards decarbonization. The GEP framework ensures that economic development does not come at the expense of environmental health, promoting a balanced and sustainable approach to economic growth.
仲欧脱碳科技（CNEUCN）的目标是在推动采用 GEP 方面发挥关键作用。通过促进来自不同国家和地区的学术界和产业界合作伙伴之间的合作，CNEUCN可以促进与生态系统服务评估相关的最佳实践和技术创新的交流。这种协同作用可支持制定全球环境效益计算的标准化方法，确保不同地区之间的一致性和可比性。
China Europe Carbon Neutral (CNEUCN) is aiming to play a pivotal role in advancing the adoption of GEP. By fostering collaboration between its academic and industry partners, from different countries and regions, CNEUCN can facilitate the exchange of best practices and technological innovations related to ecosystem service valuation. This synergy can support the development of standardized methodologies for GEP calculation, ensuring consistency and comparability across different regions.
此外，CNEUCN 还可倡导将全球环境效益纳入国家和国际政策框架。通过展示生态系统保护和恢复的经济效益，CNEUCN 可以影响政策制定者采用 GEP 作为 GDP 的补充指标。这种宣传对于推动全球向可持续经济实践转变和实现碳中和至关重要。
Moreover, CNEUCN can advocate for the integration of GEP into national and international policy frameworks. By demonstrating the economic benefits of ecosystem preservation and restoration, the CNEUCN can influence policymakers to adopt GEP as a complementary metric to GDP. This advocacy is crucial for driving the global shift towards sustainable economic practices and achieving carbon neutrality.
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