Economies need nature. Natural systems provide foundational economic goods and services, including oxygen, water, land, food, climate stability, storm and flood protection, recreation, aesthetic value, raw materials, minerals, and energy. All built capital is made of natural capital, including cars, buildings, and food. The coastal economy of the Mississippi River Delta also requires hurricane protection, a stable climate, waste assimilation, and other natural services. No economy can function without nature's provision of economic goods and services. This is most apparent in North America's largest river delta.

This Article is a brief synthesis of a more extensive report we carried out to evaluate the value of ecosystem services of the Mississippi Delta. That report--the most comprehensive measure of the economic value of Mississippi River Delta natural systems to date--is available at www.eartheconomics.org.