Estimating the impact of invasive pests and diseases on ecosystem services: modelling carbon sequestration loss due to myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii exotic strains) in Australia

The impacts of invasive pests and diseases are routinely estimated and measured in the context of agriculture, but less so in the context of biodiversity and ecosystem services. In this study, we estimate the potential reduction of carbon sequestration in Australia due to exotic strains of myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii, also known as Puccinia psidii, guava rust, or [o]hia rust). We model the contribution of susceptible plants to carbon sequestration and use previously known myrtle rust damage estimates to susceptible plant species and the valuation of carbon sequestration in Australia to estimate the potential monetary impact. This method can be systematically extended to other pests impacting plant growth as well as other ecosystem services. In the case of myrtle rust, we estimate that it could cause up to a 1.6% (95% CI: 1.3-2.0%) annual reduction in national carbon sequestration if it were to spread across all climatically suitable areas in Australia, resulting in an estimated value loss of over $340 million AUD (over $220 million USD) per year. Compared with contemporary syntheses of known cost estimates, our results show that the potential consequences of invasive species can be substantially larger than reported, and may be currently undervalued. Our work shows the need to systematically compile the potential impacts and costs to the environment and ecosystem services globally, to support both biosecurity decision-making and climate-change related initiatives such as net-zero emissions targets and reforestation efforts.