Integrating Nature’s Worth: A Crucial Step for Sustainable Economies, According to András Báldi
The Hungarian Academy of Sciences has shed important light on a groundbreaking report, highlighting the necessity of incorporating the intrinsic value of nature into economic decision-making. The article, titled “We cannot leave nature’s values out of economic calculations – András Báldi on the Dasgupta report,” published on August 18, 2025, at 13:15, features insights from esteemed scientist András Báldi, a prominent figure in ecological research. Báldi’s commentary focuses on the profound implications of the Dasgupta Review, a landmark independent review on the economics of biodiversity commissioned by the UK Treasury.
The Dasgupta Review, authored by Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta, presents a compelling case for a fundamental shift in how we perceive and value nature within our economic systems. For too long, the immense contributions of natural capital – the planet’s assets that provide goods and services essential for human well-being – have been largely overlooked in traditional economic models. This oversight has led to unsustainable practices, environmental degradation, and a failure to account for the true costs of economic activities.
András Báldi, in his discussion of the report, underscores the critical message that nature is not merely a backdrop to economic activity, but rather its very foundation. He emphasizes that the services provided by healthy ecosystems, such as clean air and water, pollination, climate regulation, and fertile soil, are invaluable and often irreplaceable. These “ecosystem services” underpin all economic prosperity, yet their value is frequently treated as zero or negligible in conventional economic calculations.
The report, as elaborated by Báldi, advocates for a paradigm shift towards what is termed “New Wealth Accounting.” This approach seeks to measure and value natural capital alongside traditional forms of capital, such as manufactured and human capital. By doing so, it aims to provide a more accurate and holistic picture of national wealth, allowing policymakers to make informed decisions that foster long-term sustainability and societal well-being.
Báldi’s commentary highlights the urgency of this integration. The accelerating loss of biodiversity and the degradation of natural systems pose significant risks to our economies and societies. Failure to acknowledge and value nature’s contributions means that we are effectively depleting our most vital assets without proper accounting, leading to an unsustainable trajectory. The Dasgupta Review provides a robust economic framework to address this challenge, offering practical steps for governments and businesses to embed nature’s value into their decision-making processes.
The Hungarian Academy of Sciences’ publication of Báldi’s insights serves as a vital platform to disseminate these crucial messages within Hungary and beyond. It encourages a broader societal conversation about our relationship with the natural world and the imperative to redefine economic success to encompass ecological health. By understanding and implementing the principles of the Dasgupta Review, as advocated by András Báldi, we can move towards a future where economic growth is not at the expense of the planet, but in harmony with it, ensuring a more resilient and prosperous future for all.
We cannot leave nature’s values out of economic calculations – András Báldi on the Dasgupta report
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Hungarian Academy of Sciences published ‘We cannot leave nature’s values out of economic calculations – András Báldi on the Dasgupta report’ at 2025-08-18 13:15. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.