In a volume of new papers published in the journal
PNAS, experts from around the world said that insect populations are suffering a “death by a thousand cuts” due to several human stressors including pesticide use, deforestation, intensive agriculture, light pollution and urbanization.
The scientists recommended several measures like banning pesticides and planting native plants to create “more and better insect-friendly habitats.” They noted that though most insect populations worldwide are dropping, some have been able to thrive due to conservation efforts.
Insect declines “tearing apart the tapestry of life”
David Wagner, a
University of Connecticut entomologist and co-author of the volume’s introduction, emphasized the consequences of the declines and said that insects “are absolutely the fabric by which Mother Nature and the tree of life are built.”
A collection of new scientific papers authored by 56 experts from around the world reiterates rising concerns about bug declines and urges people and governments to take urgent action to address a biodiversity crisis dubbed the “insect apocalypse.” By Jessica Corbett Common Dreams “The Global Decline of Insects in the Anthropocene Special Feature,” which includes an introduction […]