Breaking news: Nature launches subscription plan -oxygen no longer free. Ecosystem services: powerful, essential, and irreplaceable. While the term ecosystem services may not be widely recognized by the general public, these natural processes are quietly sustaining life on Earth—and the global economy. From the clean air we breathe to the food we eat and the climate stability we depend on; ecosystem services are the backbone of human survival. In general, ecosystem services are the direct and indirect benefits that humans receive from nature, such as clean air and water, food, pollination, flood control, and mental well-being, all dependent on healthy environments. These benefits are categorized into provisioning services (food, water, raw materials), regulating services (climate regulation, flood protection, water purification), cultural services (recreation, cultural heritage, mental health), and supporting services (nutrient cycling, soil formation...