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Drought exacerbates the trade-offs and distributional imbalances of regional ecosystem services: a case study in Yunnan Province, China
| First Author: |
Wang, Ruibo |
| Abstract: |
Globally, the increasing prevalence of droughts driven by climate change is exerting profound effects on ecosystems, thereby impacting the essential ecosystem services (ESs) on which humans depend. While most related studies mainly focus on ecosystem productivity, diversity, and biogeochemical cycles, the regional impacts of drought on regional ESs have been less frequently addressed. Yunnan plays a crucial role in maintaining regional ecological security and supporting ESs in Southwest China, as well as South and Southeast Asia, extending to the Indochina Peninsula. Recently, abnormal droughts have become more frequent, significantly affecting ESs. This study, spanning 41-year time series scale, illustrates that drought tends to weaken the water yield and soil retention functions of regional ESs, but may slightly enhanced the nitrogen interception capabilities. Furthermore, drought reduces synergies among ESs, increases trade-offs, and exacerbates the imbalance in ES distribution, driving the mean center and main distribution region of the ES intensity from low-latitude and -altitude areas in the southeast to higher ones in the northwest. Consequently, comprehensive ES monitoring system and database should be established to support evidence-based decision-making across multiple domains. Integrated ESs management based on technical implementation, management measures, and policy should be developed and implemented. Effective integration of key ES indicators should be ensured at the strategic level. Governmental agencies should establish an integrated ecological governance system that coordinates across relevant departments to ensure unified and efficient decision-making in ecological protection and resource management. Strengthening community education and encouraging public participation in local ecosystem health monitoring, ecological conditions observing and reporting, contribute to the sustainable management of ESs. |
| Contact the author: |
Bai, Y |
| Page Number: |
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| Issue: |
1 |
| Subject: |
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| Impact Factor: |
3.4 |
| Authors units: |
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| PubYear: |
2025 |
| Volume: |
25 |
| Publication Name: |
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE |
| The full text link: |
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