Meaning: 'Rely' means to depend on or trust in something for support or help.

Wrong options:

• reply: The verb 'reply' means to respond to something, which does not fit the context of dependence on natural capital.
• supply: The verb 'supply' means to provide something, but it does not convey the sense of dependence required in this sentence.
• apply: The verb 'apply' means to put something into action or use, which does not match the context of relying on natural capital.

Correct answer: support

Explanation: The verb 'support' is appropriate here as it indicates that natural ecosystems provide essential services that bolster our economies and lives. It fits grammatically and contextually, maintaining the correct tense and meaning.

Meaning: 'Support' means to provide assistance or help, which in this context refers to the services that ecosystems offer to our economies and lives.

Wrong options:

• import: The verb 'import' means to bring goods into a country, which does not fit the context of ecosystems providing services.
• report: The verb 'report' means to give an account of something, which is not relevant to the context of ecosystems supporting economies.
• export: The verb 'export' means to send goods out of a country, which does not align with the idea of ecosystems providing support.

Correct answer: reducing

Explanation: The gerund 'reducing' fits grammatically as it describes an ongoing action that is part of the services provided by ecosystems. It aligns with the structure of the sentence and maintains the correct tense.

Meaning: 'Reducing' means to make something smaller or less in amount, which in this context refers to the action of lowering flood risk.

Wrong options:

• bringing: The gerund 'bringing' implies an action of carrying something to a place, which does not fit the context of services provided by ecosystems.
• lacking: The gerund 'lacking' suggests a deficiency, which contradicts the positive contributions of ecosystems mentioned in the sentence.
• staggering: The gerund 'staggering' means to shock or astonish, which does not relate to the context of ecosystem services.

Correct answer: reliable

Explanation: The adjective 'reliable' fits grammatically as it describes the quality of the ways provided to decision makers. It aligns with the context of needing trustworthy methods to assess the value of ecosystem services.

Meaning: 'Reliable' means consistently good in quality or performance, which in this context refers to trustworthy ways of assessment.

Wrong options:

• liable: The adjective 'liable' means likely to do something or responsible for something, which does not convey the intended meaning of trustworthiness in this context.
• powerful: The adjective 'powerful' means having great power or strength, which does not specifically relate to the quality of being dependable in assessment methods.
• strong: The adjective 'strong' means having strength or vigor, but it does not specifically imply the dependability required in this context.