Decline of insect populations

Insect decimation
Loss of insects

Nature

The decline of insect populations refers to the significant and ongoing reduction in the numbers and diversity of insect species worldwide. This phenomenon poses a critical environmental problem, as insects play essential roles in ecosystems, including pollination, decomposition, and serving as food for other animals. Factors contributing to this decline include habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and pollution. The loss of insects threatens biodiversity, disrupts food webs, and jeopardizes agricultural productivity, ultimately impacting human food security and ecosystem health. Addressing this issue is vital for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources.

Background

Insects are basic to thousands of food chains. Insects are the primary source for ecosystem creation and support. Nutrition for humans happens because insects pollinate. The world literally crumbles apart without insects burrowing, forming new soil, aerating soil, pollinating food crops, etc.

Incidence

One of the world’s best and oldest entomological resources is Krefeld Entomological Society (est. 1905) tracking insect abundance at more than 100 nature reserves. They first noticed a significant drop off of insects in 2013 when the total mass of catch fell by 80%. Again, in 2014 the numbers were just as low. Subsequently, the society discovered huge declines in several observation sites throughout Western Europe. Many conservationists view a special class of pesticides called neonicotinoids — used over many years in Europe until a partial ban in 2013 — as the prime suspect for insect losses.

North America and Europe species of birds like larks, swallows, and swifts that feed on flying insects have plummeted; for example, the disappearance of Britain’s farmland birds. Of particular concern is the widespread use of pesticides and their impact on non-target species.

The Senckenberg Entomological Institute/Frankfurt recorded a 40% decline in butterfly and Burnet moth species over a period of decades.

Claim

The massive loss of insects has everything to do with three generations of industrialized farming and the vast tide of poisons pouring over the landscape year-after-year, especially since the end of WWII. There are many indications that what we see is the result of a widespread poisoning of our landscape.

Counter-claim

The alarmist narrative surrounding the decline of insect populations is vastly overstated. Insects are resilient and adaptable creatures that have thrived for millions of years. Nature has a way of balancing itself, and the occasional fluctuation in insect numbers is a natural phenomenon. Focusing on this issue distracts from more pressing environmental concerns, such as climate change and habitat destruction. We should prioritize our efforts on significant problems rather than succumbing to unfounded fears about insects.