Specifically, expanding areas under conservation could yield a return of at least $5 for every $1 spent just by giving nature more room to thrive. Currently, about 15 per cent of the Earth's land and 7 per cent of the ocean has some degree of protection. Such a goal would require an average annual investment of roughly $189 billion ($140 billion US) by 2030, the researchers estimated. Currently, about $32 billion ($24 billion US) is spent globally per year on protecting natural areas, they said. Understanding these economic benefits can also help policymakers decide, for example, whether a forest can be felled for timber or better left untouched to absorb carbon dioxide and support wildlife or water cycles.

Source: CBC News July 08, 2020 19:06 UTC