Question

In 1977, the ecological economist Robert Costanza and his associates published a report titled "The Value of the World's Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital." They estimated that if all the ecosystem services provided worldwide had to be paid for, the cost would average $33 trillion per year with a range from $16 trillion to $54 trillion. In that same year, the global gross national product (GNP) was $18 trillion.

What is meant by ecosystem or ecological services? Give three specific examples and identify which United Nations organizations might oversee these services.

Answer 1

Ecosystem services are the benefits humans receive from natural ecosystems, including functions like photosynthesis, purification of water, and pollination of food crops. The United Nations Environment Programme and Food and Agriculture Organization may oversee these services.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ecosystem services refer to the benefits that humans receive from natural ecosystems. They include various functions and processes that support life and contribute to human well-being. Three specific examples of ecosystem services are:

1. Photosynthesis: Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis, which helps to maintain the balance of atmospheric gases necessary for human survival.
2. Purification of water: Wetlands and forests act as natural filters, removing pollutants from water and ensuring its quality.
3. Pollination of food crops: Bees and other pollinators play a critical role in pollinating food crops, ensuring their reproduction and the production of fruits, vegetables, and seeds.

United Nations organizations that may oversee these services include the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which promotes environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which focuses on food security and sustainable agriculture.