Earth Economics

Earth Economics is a non-profit organization that integrates science-based economics into investments and policy decisions through natural capital analysis. They offer support to organizations and communities to “mitigate risk, add value and build resilience by taking nature into account,” by monetizing and comparing benefits for natural capital, human health, jobs and income, and community cohesion. Analysis is offered on sustainable use practices that support climate adaptation and mitigation such as reducing wildfire risk, supporting carbon capture, and enhancing biodiversity. Services offered include workshops and trainings, ecosystems services valuation, benefit-cost analysis, and finance and investment strategies.

They assess the environmental, social, and financial benefits of adopting best management practices in agriculture, forestry, freshwater and coastal management. To understand and relay the value of watersheds, Earth Economics will assess the value of forests, rivers, aquifers, and snowpack for communities, and lead workshops to educate stakeholders about the critical connections between their watershed and the resilience of their community. 

Earth Economics also focuses on fostering Resilient Communities, and many of their recent projects have centered on the economics of natural disaster mitigation. Case studies are offered on the website for more information on this work, including a project to monetize the damages in California's 2013 Rim Fire, and another providing benefit-cost analysis to winners of the National Disaster Resilience Competition.

Phone: (253) 539-4801

Sectors:

• Biodiversity and ecosystems
• Business
• Forestry
• Land management and conservation
• Water resources

Related Resources:

• The Economic Impact of the 2016 Loma Fire
• South Platte Watershed Natural Capital Resource Assessment

Related Users:

• Ken Cousins
• Olivia Molden