Which option best explains the term ecosystem services in urban planning?

• A. A park used for aesthetics.
• B. A green roof reducing energy demand and capturing rainwater.
• C. An amusement park.
• D. A street with banners.

Answer: (C)

Ecosystem services in urban planning are the benefits people gain from ecological processes and nature-based features in cities, such as cooling from vegetation, rainwater management, energy savings, and opportunities for recreation and well-being. The option describing a green roof that reduces energy demand and captures rainwater best illustrates these services because it directly shows how a built ecological feature provides tangible benefits: cooling and insulation reduce energy use, while capturing rainwater helps manage stormwater. While a park can offer aesthetic or recreational value, and amusement parks or banners are primarily built attractions, they don’t as clearly demonstrate the ecological processes and citywide benefits that ecosystem services encompass.