If you're interested in science and animal issues, chances are you're aware that bees are in danger of extinction. If you did not know, this information is very important, because if the bees disappear, the humans disappear. Of course, the life of these insects is worth it, but it is added even more by recognizing that their work sustains the whole of humanity.
According to a UN report, 90% of the food consumed in the world comes from 100 different crop species. 70% of them exist and reproduce thanks to the pollination of bees. In summary: without bees, there is no food.
Alleged culprits
There are several possible factors that cause this sad reality. The air pollution causes the aroma of a flower that could previously be perceived by a bee 800 meters away, now only reach to smell 200 meters.
The introduction of insects and pests alien to the bees' home also affects the environmental balance, due to territorial and food competition. Climate change is not left behind either, as variations in temperature and seasons modify the life cycle of plants. Another accused with a great burden of guilt are the chemicals that are used as pesticides in crops, because in their mission to get rid of pests, bees are also taken away.
Recent research in Germany has found that the country's population of flying insects has decreased by 75% in the last 27 years! The scientific community knew there was a problem, but not on that scale. This study was a collaboration between the Krefeld Entomological Society (Germany) and the Radboud University (Netherlands).
This work, in addition to throwing such alarming figure, found that the amount of insects decreased even in protected areas. Which means that not only pesticides and the intensification of agriculture are the only ones responsible.
What can we do about it?
Although the exact causes that are stealing the lives of these beings so necessary for the planet are still unknown, we can still (above all, we must) do something about it. Hans de Kroon of Radboud University told Newsweek that the ideal is to be extremely careful with the pesticides that are used and to keep as many wild flowers as possible.
How can we help as citizens of the world? When consuming local products, preferably organic or specifying that they do not use pesticides harmful to the environment. It is also beneficial to plant plants in every place where we can. Some pots on the balcony or a vertical garden on the wall will always be welcome. And the bees will thank you.
Interesting post! And the bee species facing extinction the most, are the wild ones. These wild bees live solitary and they pollinate plants in a much more efficient way than our well-known bumbling honey bees.
There is also some serious competition going on between them. Competition in which honey bees already hold the upper hand.
Wild bees need ordinary wild plants and weeds. The kind of plants and weeds that grow in our front and back gardens. The ones we don't really appreciate as citizens of the world.
Next to consuming the right products, the wisest thing to do is to start allowing these 'unwanted' plants and weeds to grow in our own backyards. Rather than using pesticides at all. Of course, we cannot do this without cooperation of our farmers. And the more variety there is, the better.
Plus, this might also save us the trouble of a painful back, since we don't necessarily need to spud out all of these weeds anymore ;-)
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