Ontological Analysis to understand the Interplay between Ecosystem Services, Human Well-being, and Climate Change

This study employs an ontological analysis to critically examine the integration of ecosystem services and human well-being within the context of climate change. The principal objective is to identify research gaps within the existing literature and to propose potential avenues for future research. Our findings reveal significant deficiencies in policy, legal, and procedural frameworks, with a predominant focus on local-level case studies and objective measures of well-being. Notably, cultural and supporting services remain underexplored. These gaps highlight the need for comprehensive research incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives, adaptive capabilities, and robust policy frameworks to enhance resilience against climate change. The study underscores the urgent need for broader and more inclusive investigations to effectively inform policy-making and sustainable management practices.