{"id":25158,"date":"2019-06-27T00:00:36","date_gmt":"2019-06-27T04:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/?p=25158"},"modified":"2019-09-30T14:49:49","modified_gmt":"2019-09-30T18:49:49","slug":"scientists-say-we-know-enough-to-act-now-on-perilous-global-insect-decline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2019\/06\/scientists-say-we-know-enough-to-act-now-on-perilous-global-insect-decline\/","title":{"rendered":"Scientists Say, \u201cWe know enough to act now,\u201d on Perilous Global Insect Decline"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"(Beyond Pesticides, June 27, 2019) A review of scientific literature urges for swift societal action on the collapse of insect populations worldwide, according to authors of a study. The authors point out that while there is a need for more research on the extent of the phenomenon as well as causal factors, there is currently sufficient evidence to spur and inform transformational policy in response to a definite worldwide crisis. The paper, Declines in insect abundance and diversity: We know enough to act now<\/em>, provides a run-down of actions to take\u2014from national policy to apartment balconies.<\/p>\n

Recent reports<\/a> name alarming drops in insect diversity and abundance, prompting the ominous label of \u201cinsect apocalypse<\/a>.\u201d Almost half of all insect species are rapidly declining, and a third are being threatened with extinction. The authors state, \u201cAlthough there has been some criticism of specific studies, the overall trend is clear and the broad geographic reach is perhaps the most dire feature of the current crisis, as assessments from all continents except Antarctica reveal declines.\u201d<\/p>\n

The main culprits of insect demise are habitat loss and degradation, pesticides, and climate change. The authors note that it is less critical, at this juncture, to focus on the complexities of the individual issues than to understand that many factors act as a \u201cfiring squad\u201d of stressors. \u201cIn many cases it will be difficult to identify the killing shot,\u201d the authors write, \u201cbut we know the bullets are flying and we know where they are coming from.\u201d<\/p>\n

If the loss of insects\u2014and all the critical services they provide\u2014is to be avoided, \u201csociety must take steps at all levels to protect, restore, and enhance habitat for these animals across all landscapes, from wildlands to farmlands to urban cores.\u201d The review calls for broad pesticide reform, including a ban on cosmetic lawn pesticides. The authors reiterate the need for improved management of connected habitats to maximize biodiversity at all levels. As aquatic insects have been noted as most vulnerable, protecting and restoring aquatic habitat is noted as perhaps a more urgent focus. More specific policy recommendations include:<\/p>\n

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  1. Nations, states, provinces, and cities<\/strong>\n