The End of Insects (?)
“A scientific review of insect numbers around the world suggested that 40% of species were undergoing "dramatic rates of decline" with bees, ants, and beetles disappearing 8 times faster than mammals, birds or reptiles” - Nature Communications
Recent studies from around the globe have indicated a drastic decline in pollinator and insect abundance, diversity, distribution and biomass. In some studies, the decline is as much as 70%, a staggering loss for our planet and economies.
These species are extraordinary animals, but they provide a vital connection between wildlife, food production and human health and their decline threatens all of these important natural processes. The loss of insects has far-reaching consequences for entire ecosystems. Insects provide a food source for many birds, amphibians, bats and reptiles, while plants rely on insects for pollination, and our global food supplies need them to.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF POLLINATOR DECLINE?
THE INTENSIFICATION OF LAND USED FOR AGRICULTURE
70% of the UK’s land is designated as agricultural: for the purpose of making food. The vast majority of this land is used for what are called monocultures: one single type of plant or animal. That mean this type of land use eradicates wild species and decreases bio-diversity. We are so used to our rolling green fields we do not often see that in biodiversity terms, they are deserts.
CHEMICAL USE
The use of pesticides (chemicals designed to kill insects and “pest animals”) both in urban and agricultural spaces, as well as the fertilisers sprayed onto crops also filter into the soil and the ecosystem. Apart from their immediate fatal effect, these chemicals can stay in the ecosystem for years, creating a poisonous environment for pollinators, despite the fact that these insects are essential for many crops to reproduce.
Roundup was a revolutionary new herbicide, or weed killer, when it hit the market in the 1970s. It and other pesticides that contain the active ingredient glyphosate are the most widely used herbicides in the world. Roundup alternatives without glyphosate are available and can be effective for your lawn and garden. There are several glyphosate alternatives for controlling weeds around your house. You may need to consider different options for different parts of your yard or garden. Not all options may work in all cases. For more information on Roundup alternatives visit Consumer Notice.
DEVELOPING LAND FOR URBAN USE
As cities and towns grow to accommodate our ever-increasing human population, we cut into the UK’s precious natural wilderness, destroying the homes of animals. Our wildflower meadows are rare habitats in the UK, and they have declined by 97% since the 1930’s. Wildflower meadows provide shelter and diverse forage for a wide range of pollinators and insects. They all play a vital role in maintaining our ecosystem.
Studies also show that the artificial light we use at night has contributed significantly to the decline in insect populations.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change creates unpredictable seasonal weather and changing temperatures. This creates havoc in seasonal patterns for local and migrating insects, and as these patterns intensify and become more frequent, it makes it much harder for them to create sustainable populations. Even a superficially tough insect like the wasp is vulnerable.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?
CREATING, CONNECTING AND PROTECTING WILD HABITATS
REINTRODUCTIONS OF SPECIES
ASSISTED COLONISATION OF SPECIES
Source: UK insect decline and extinctions. UK Parliament POST. March 2020
Researchers say actions such as wildlife-friendly farming and gardening can have a positive impact on pollinators in both towns and the countryside.
They echoed previous calls for gardeners to encourage pollinating insects by growing patches of wild plants and weeds.
Of course it’s overwhelming being bombarded by news and social media warning us about impending climate crisis, and it’s easy to feel helpless; this is why Pollenize CIC believes in the mantra “Think Global, Act Local”. This is why we want your help.
We live in the hope that the agricultural community do everything they can to support pollinators.
Meanwhile the vast majority of us live in cities and its time we made our urban environments into the wildlife havens they can be.
Our mission at Pollenize CIC is to work alongside pollinators and help build a better future for them and us.
