The world may be losing its tiny pollinators

Insects are disappearing globally, and while data is difficult to parse, the loss threatens ecosystems and food production.

Manuela Saragosa reports for the Financial Times.

In short:

• Insect populations are declining due to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use, raising concerns about pollination and food security.
• Despite the alarming trends, data on insect decline is inconsistent, making it hard to gauge the full extent of the problem.
• Volunteer-led initiatives and studies suggest that the issue is serious, with some insect populations down by over 75% in certain regions.

Key quote:

“We could not feed the global human population without pollinators.”

— Dave Goulson, professor of biology at the University of Sussex

Why this matters:

While we might cheer the absence of mosquitoes on a summer night, the bigger picture is alarming. Without these tiny powerhouses, our food systems, natural environments, and even human health could take a serious hit. Read more: Silent Earth: Averting the insect apocalypse.