‘Ecological value added’ in an integrated ecosystem–economy model—an indicator for sustainability

This paper sets up an input–output system of the relevant ecosystem flows that determine the carbon cycle in the global ecosystem. Introducing energy as the value added component in the ecosystem allows to calculate ecosystem prices expressed in ‘energy values’. Linking the ecosystem with the economy in an integrated input–output model then allows to calculate prices of economic activities and of ecosystem activities. In analogy to the ‘Ecological Footprint’, where productive land is needed to absorb anthropogenic emissions, in this integrated input–output model additional carbon sinks are introduced for emission absorption. These carbon sinks need solar energy input, i.e. ‘ecological value added’. Emission absorption as well as GDP therefore become activities valued in the numeraire of the integrated system, i.e.‘energy values’. From that sustainability indicators can be derived. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]