The extinction rate of bees is 100 to 1000 times higher than normal, depending on the region and the variety. A danger for human beings, as these guardians of biodiversity are essential to life on earth.
- 75% of global food production depends on pollinating insects.
- Between 60 and 90% of wild plants need pollinating insects to reproduce.
Several factors can explain this disappearance.
Monocultures
The gradual reduction of wild habitats in favor of agricultural land has led to a significant reduction in floral resources, which makes pollinating insects increasingly vulnerable. For bees to be healthy, they need access to a variety of balanced foods that change with the seasons. However, the current agricultural model often favors monoculture, and bees are weakened by working in crops that are poor in pollen, and therefore in nutrients.
The use of pesticides
Slowed development, malformations, loss of orientation (bees can no longer find their hive), inability to recognize flowers, weakened immune defenses. Pesticide use impacts pollinator populations.
Climate change
The effects of climate change such as rising temperatures, increased droughts, floods and disruptions to flowering seasons are having disastrous effects on the sustainability of bees and pollinators.
What can we do to help our bees?
Individually, we can all take action. Here are some blog posts that offer simple solutions to help pollinating insects:
