Ecosystem Services and Decision Making

The video discusses the current crisis facing the world's ecosystems, highlighting the free services they provide, such as food, water, and climate regulation. It warns of the consequences of overusing these resources and questions the feasibility of replicating these services artificially. A case study of New York's watershed protection illustrates the economic benefits of preserving natural ecosystems. The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of valuing nature in decision-making to ensure long-term environmental protection.

What is the main concern about the current state of the world's ecosystems?

• They are expanding too rapidly.

• They are declining at an alarming rate.

• They are becoming too diverse.

• They are providing too many resources.

Which of the following is NOT a service provided by ecosystems?

• Spiritual benefits

• Provision of food and water

• Production of synthetic materials

• Regulation of climate

Why is it problematic to overuse ecosystem services?

• They will become more abundant.

• They will become less diverse.

• They will not be available for future generations.

• They will become more expensive.

What is a major drawback of artificially replicating ecosystem services?

• They last longer than natural services.

• They are less effective and not as enjoyable.

• They are more cost-effective.

• They are more enjoyable.

What was the cost-effective solution New York chose to address its freshwater crisis?

• Protecting the watershed

• Installing a purification system

• Importing water from other states

• Building a new dam

How much would it have cost New York to install a purification system?

• $10 billion

• $250 million

• $6 billion

• $1.5 billion

What was the annual running cost of the purification system New York considered?

• $1.5 billion

• $6 billion

• $250 million

• $10 billion

What is often the most important factor in land use decision making?

• Social benefits

• Economic factors

• Aesthetic value

• Environmental impact

How can the concept of ecosystem services help in decision making?

• By increasing short-term profits

• By demonstrating the long-term value of nature

• By reducing the need for regulations

• By promoting urban development

What is the most valuable action we can take for the environment according to the video?

• Rapid urbanization

• Immediate industrialization

• Long-term protection

• Short-term exploitation