Comprehensive Valuation of the Ecosystem Services of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Ecosystem services (ES) have been well studied in most biomes, but the Arctic tundra has received little attention, despite covering over 10% of terrestrial Earth. Using established ES methodologies, we calculated values (in 2016 USD) for United States National Wildlife Refuge, a region virtually undisturbed by humans, slated future oil and gas drilling. We estimated Refuge is worth about 1957 USD/hectare/year, equal to 15 billion USD annually. Globally important services, such as climate regulation (e.g., carbon storage) non-use aesthetic information), contributed value were similar valuations from more productive ecosystems. Local made smaller contributions total, they remain vitally local indigenous cultures. Strikingly, contingent valuation survey US residents found that, after neutral educational information, willingness-to-pay maintain its current state exceeded deposits. Our study shows that citizens may habitats beyond their traditional economic development potential. comprehensive ecosystem suggests maintaining condition (i.e., de facto wilderness) with full range valuable humanity compared gas.