GEF

Unit 1  |  Introduction to Sustainability 18 The entire range of species’ habitats make up life on Earth. Furthermore, the contribution of ecosystem services , such as water purification and crop pollination, is vital to human societies. Sustainability looks at human societies and economic systems as embedded within, rather than separate from, the natural environment. For example, let’s take a look at bees; there has been recent concern over colony collapse disorder—a term that refers to the sudden disappearance of bee colonies and greatly reduced bee populations. As pollinators that are critical to plant health, bees create $15 billion in annual added crop value, particularly for nuts, berries, fruits, and vegetables. About one third of the food in our diet benefits directly or indirectly from bee pol- lination. Researchers are looking into possible causes of this SPECIES Groups of organisms that are able to reproduce, producing fertile offspring HABITATS Ecological or environmental areas that are inhabited by organisms. ECOSYSTEM SERVICES Natural resources and services, such as water puri- fication and crop pollination, that are of value to people. WATCH & LEARN http://bit.ly/2uw4J3e Watch the video and respond to the questions below. 1. Where does your water come from? 2. Who grows your food? 3. How much energy do you use every day? video: Introduction to Sustainability