The exploitation of the natural capital (minerals, fossil fuels, standing biomass,
surface and groundwater, among others) over time allowed
human society to construct its built-environment, and develop infrastructures
day-by-day more complex and necessary for human
wellbeing. The human-made capital is the result of this exploitation
and thus, it is dependent on the natural capital that keeps supporting it
and the human's economy. According to England (2000), there is a critical
minimum level of natural capital below which humanity will not be
able to benefit from the ecosystem services necessary for its survival. Economic
capital stored in bank accounts and financial investments (shares,
derivatives) provides interests and dividends. In a like manner, biophysical
capital provides direct and indirect contribution to the economy in the form of ecosystem services and support to human activities (housing,
transport, communication, etc.).