Decline of insect populations

Insect decimation
Loss of insects

Nature

The decline of insect populations refers to the significant and widespread reduction in the abundance and diversity of insects worldwide. This phenomenon is recognized as a major environmental problem, as insects play crucial roles in pollination, decomposition, and as a food source for other species. Causes include habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, pollution, and invasive species. The decline threatens ecosystem stability, agricultural productivity, and biodiversity. Scientific studies have documented sharp decreases in insect biomass and species richness, raising concerns about cascading effects on natural and human systems if current trends continue unchecked.

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

Three quarters of flying insects are gone from monitored areas of western Europe.

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 so-called "decline of insect populations" is vastly overblown and not an important problem at all. Nature constantly adapts, and insects are incredibly resilient. Human progress and comfort should not be hindered by exaggerated fears about bugs. There is no solid evidence that a few fewer insects will disrupt ecosystems or food supplies. Let’s focus on real issues, not manufactured crises about creatures most people consider pests anyway.