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.

www.ft.com

The world may be losing its tiny pollinators

Heat killed ‘staggering’ 50,000 people in Europe’s cities this summer, scientists warn

The hidden history of how Big Oil invented the American Dream

Oil and tech money back measure to limit California environmental law

The case for low-carbon bamboo fuel starts at $2.75 a gallon

In Honduras, hard hit by drought, authorities hope to make it rain using contentious tactic

This year’s powerful El Niño may preview California’s climate future

Where fossil fuels are lurking in your home — room by room

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.