We have to restrict ecosystem services trading

Water, was one of the few ecosystems services that was discussed in lecture today. Perhaps the most disturbing but also socially accepted thing was enabling access towards trading these ecosystem services. This is probably accepted due to how these services and commodities are valued in our capitalist system. However, even if water is valued in an extrinsic economic sense, there is still intrinsic value that has to be determined by the individual. Water is important ecosystem service to all people, and as such, should not be available to trade in the international markets. We have already seen the disastrous consequences of commodity trading, especially oil, which has been heavily speculated and abused for individuals to make a buck. Also did you know that there are orange juice futures and options that are available for investors to speculate and trade!??? Before commodity trading gets any worse, we should be mindful and prevent further commodities and ecosystem services from reaching the markets. Unfortunately, at the individual level, there is very little one can do about this issue. However, we can do our best by investing our money in credible and environmentally conscious investments. The term ‘ESG’ which stands for environmental, social, and governance are a broad set of investment products that seek to invest in more fair and transparent products.