Environmental Benefits: Why Protecting Nature Matters
Healthy ecosystems deliver a surprising set of benefits that support human life, economies and the stability of the planet. Below are the major environmental benefits, how they affect us, and simple actions anyone can take to protect them.
Ecosystem Services — Nature’s Invisible Support
“Ecosystem services” is the term scientists use for the variety of ways nature supports human life and livelihoods. These services include provisioning (food, timber), regulating (climate, water purification), cultural (recreation, spiritual) and supporting functions (nutrient cycling, soil formation).
Climate Regulation & Carbon Storage
Forests, wetlands, grasslands and oceans absorb and store large amounts of carbon dioxide. Protecting and restoring these carbon sinks helps slow climate change, reducing extreme weather risks and protecting crops, infrastructure and communities.
Clean Air & Water
Trees and vegetation filter air pollutants, improving urban air quality and public health. Wetlands, floodplains and riparian zones act as natural filters, trapping sediments and breaking down pollutants, which keeps rivers and groundwater cleaner and safer for drinking and irrigation.
Biodiversity & Resilience
High biodiversity makes ecosystems more resilient to stressors like pests, disease and climate extremes. Diverse ecosystems provide genetic resources for crops and medicines, and maintain the balance of pollinators, predators and decomposers that keep systems functioning.
Soil Health & Erosion Control
Vegetation protects topsoil from erosion by wind and water. Healthy soils store water, support crop yields, and retain nutrients—reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and increasing food security over time.
Flood Protection & Storm Buffering
Natural features such as wetlands, mangroves and forests absorb and slow runoff, reducing flood peaks and protecting communities downstream. Restoring these features is often more cost-effective and adaptable than engineered solutions alone.
Economic & Social Benefits
Healthy environments support fisheries, agriculture, tourism and recreation—sectors that provide livelihoods and cultural value. Investing in natural infrastructure can save governments money by reducing disaster recovery costs and providing long-term services.
Human Health & Well-Being
Access to green spaces improves mental health, reduces stress, and encourages physical activity. Cleaner air and water reduce disease burdens, while a stable climate lowers the health risks associated with heatwaves, malnutrition and vector-borne illnesses.
How You Can Help — Practical Steps
Collective actions—policy change, protected areas, sustainable agriculture and green urban planning—amplify individual choices and secure environmental benefits at scale.