Using Meta-Analysis to Quantify Ecosystem Service Values: Methods, Opportunities and Challenges

Howard H. Baker Jr Center for Public Policy

The demand for information on ecosystem service values (ESVs), combined with a lack of time and resources required to conduct primary valuation studies, have led to common use of benefit transfer to quantify these values. However, there is emerging consensus over the potential advantages of valuation meta-regression models (MRMs). These models synthesize data from many prior studies that have estimated similar types of economic value for similar ecosystem services. The resulting functions can be used to predict ecosystem service values at policy sites where no original valuation studies have been conducted.

As part of the Howard Baker Center’s Energy and Environment Forum, Dr. Robert Johnston will discuss prospects and challenges related to the use of meta-regression models (MRMs) for ecosystem service valuation, with an emphasis on the model development and accuracy of resulting value estimates. These topics are illustrated using multiple meta-analyses of “Willingness to Pay” for improvements to aquatic ecosystem services, including services related to water quality and salt marsh habitat. These illustrations highlight the potential advantages of MRM benefit transfers, together with the challenges and data needs encountered when developing and applying these models to quantify ecosystem service values.
This virtual event is free and open to the public. 

The Zoom meeting link can be found here.