The first global scientific review of insect population decline was published[$] this week in the journal Biological Conservation. This is the first global study of its kind, and the term "impending catastrophe" would not be hyperbolic with respect to the findings:
Highlights
- Over 40% of insect species are threatened with extinction.
- Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and dung beetles (Coleoptera) are the taxa most affected.
- Four aquatic taxa are imperiled and have already lost a large proportion of species.
- Habitat loss by conversion to intensive agriculture is the main driver of the declines.
- Agro-chemical pollutants, invasive species and climate change are additional causes.
For some time now we've been warned by scientists that pollinators are having a hard time, creating problems for humanity WRT many food sources. However, this study paints a far more dire picture with the possibility of irreparable harm to ecosystems on a global level. Without strong insect populations, it's not unreasonable to conclude that humanity may not continue either.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday February 13 2019, @03:07AM
Search for the research of Hans Rosling.
The two things you can do to have the biggest impact on population growth are:
1. Give women washing machines for their laundry.
2. Give them western television programming.
Seriously, look it up.
Easy to do, low cost. A hell of a lot cheaper and quicker than that high-falutin education everyone keeps going on about.
(Baby steps. We'll get to the education problem next.)