The statement "If we had to do all of the things that ecosystems do for us, it would cost us $46 trillion/year" is True. Here's why:
1. Ecosystems provide us with services like clean air, water purification, pollination of crops, climate regulation, and natural resources.
2. If humans had to replicate these services through technology or manual labor, it would involve huge costs in terms of infrastructure, energy consumption, labor, and resources.
3. Studies like the TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) report estimate the economic value of ecosystem services. The $46 trillion/year figure reflects the immense value of services provided by ecosystems.
4. Therefore, the statement is true because the replacement cost of ecosystem services would indeed be extremely high, indicating the importance of preserving and protecting natural ecosystems.
In conclusion, the value of ecosystem services is not just monetary but also vital for our survival and well-being.
