Insect Apocalypse

-PLEA Universe story of the day!

A question to begin today’s story. How often do we spot butterflies flying, or ladybugs sitting on leaves, or fireflies flying in the skies during a stroll in our gardens or terraces? As much as we read about these beautiful moments in books, we rarely experience them, right?

The insects are declining rapidly across the globe. In fact, over forty per cent of the bug species are nearing extinction. It should be a matter of enormous concern for us.

But how can an insect apocalypse affect our lives? Let’s find it out.

Insects are responsible for the pollination of more than half of the crops. This means that feeding the entire 7.5 billion human population is virtually impossible without insects. Further, many of the fruits and flowers rely on insect pollinators. Worms, beetles and various insects feed on the decaying vegetation, releasing nutrients into the soil that can be used by plants to grow faster. Along with this, insects can also eat up the harmful pests of the soil and can in turn act as a pesticide.

How fast are we losing insects?

A global scientific review published last year revealed that insects are declining at an alarming rate of 2.5% annually. Moreover, 40% of the insects might be extinct within three decades.

Two years back, a study in protected nature reserves in Germany surprised everyone with its findings. It found that the biomass of insects reduced by more than 75% in just 27 years. These tiny creatures are part of critical food webs. Even birds which depend on insects as food are declining fast.

The biggest reason for this decline is habitat loss, followed by usage of insecticides in farming along with Climate change. As per a study discussed at the International Food Policy Research Institute last year, climate change and higher CO2 levels could significantly reduce the availability of critical nutrients in plants. It makes the plants less nutritious for the sustenance of insects.

So, will insects vanish? Probably yes, at the current rate in the next 100 years. But certainly not, if we act responsibly.

The fortunate thing about insects is that they can multiply and recover quickly if the right measures are taken. In the UK, gardens and backyard in residential houses makeup over 430,000 hectares of land - an area much greater than all National Parks combined. If these lawns are mowed and allowed to flower, along with weeds like dandelions to grow, they can attract bees and provide them with habitat.

Even if some of us do not have a garden, we can still help these insects recover. Switch off the lights at night (if unnecessary), grow some plants at terrace or balcony, buy organic food (encouraging non-usage of insecticides), or by signing a petition like this.

We cannot assure that insects won’t bite you back, but nature will definitely bite all of us if they vanish.