In 30 years, 75 % of insects have already disappeared, bringing with them a staggering drop in birds.
A fortnight ago, an article in Libération highlighted an alarming statistic: over the last 30 years, 75 % of insects have already disappeared.
Is it any wonder that only a month earlier Le Monde published an interview with Dave Goulson, a renowned specialist and author of the book "Déclin catastrophique"?
The disappearance of insects is a worrying phenomenon that cannot be ignored. Not only does it affect our fragile ecosystem, but it also represents a direct threat to the survival of our planet. It is time to become aware of this reality and to act quickly to preserve our environment.
Cover of "Libération" of 12 April 2023
Insects play a crucial role in essential processes such as pollination, decomposition of organic matter and maintenance of the food chain. If their population continues to decline, it could have disastrous consequences for all forms of life, including humans.
Why are insects disappearing?
The disappearance of insects is a growing concern worldwide. Several factors contribute to this alarming decline in insect populations. Here are some explanations of why they are disappearing:
- Destruction of natural habitats : The expansion of urbanisation, deforestation and the conversion of wild lands to agricultural land are drastically reducing the natural habitats of insects. These areas are essential for their survival, as they provide them with shelter, food and suitable breeding conditions. The destruction of these habitats limits their possibilities for survival and reproduction.
- Massive use of pesticides : Pesticides are widely used in intensive agriculture to protect crops from pests. However, these chemicals can have devastating effects on non-target insects. Beneficial insects, such as bees, butterflies and natural predators, are often victims of pesticide exposure. This can lead to a decrease in their populations, thus disturbing the balance of ecosystems.
- Pollution : Air, water and soil pollution also affect insects. Chemical contaminants from industry, vehicles and waste can alter their physiology, reproduction and behaviour. In addition, light pollution disrupts the life cycles of nocturnal insects, such as moths, by disorienting their navigation and disrupting their ecological interactions.
- Climate change : Climate variations, including increased temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns, have an impact on insect populations. Some insects are sensitive to changes in temperature and resource availability, which can lead to desynchronisation with their natural habitats and life cycles. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, can also have a negative impact on insect populations.
- Reduction in plant diversity : The decrease in plant diversity in agricultural and urban landscapes limits the food resources available to insects. Agricultural monocultures, characterised by the intensive cultivation of a single plant species, do not provide a balanced and adequate diet for many insects. The decrease in plant diversity also reduces habitats and refuges for insects.
The disappearance of insects is a cause for concern, as these small creatures play a crucial role in ecosystems.
What are the consequences of the disappearance of insects?
The disappearance of insects would have major consequences for our environment and society. Here are some of the possible consequences:
- Loss of pollination : Insects play a crucial role in the pollination of plants. Their disappearance would lead to a decrease in food production, as many crops depend on pollination to bear fruit. This could lead to a decrease in food diversity and shortages in our supply of fruit, vegetables and seeds.
- Disruption of the food chain : Insects occupy different levels of the food chain. Their disappearance would affect the species that feed on them, such as birds, fish, reptiles and some mammals. This could unbalance ecosystems and cause disturbances in animal populations.
- Soil degradation : Insects play an essential role in the decomposition of organic matter. Their absence could lead to an accumulation of decomposing material, which could compromise soil fertility. This would have a negative impact on agriculture and all terrestrial ecosystems.
- Expansion of pest populations : Some insects act as natural predators by regulating the populations of other insects considered to be crop pests. In the absence of these predators, pests could proliferate uncontrollably, causing significant damage to crops and agricultural resources.
- Biodiversity reduction : Insects are an important part of our planet's biodiversity. Their disappearance would lead to a decrease in species diversity, which could weaken ecosystems and reduce resilience to environmental change.
It is crucial to take action to prevent the disappearance of insects and preserve their essential role in our ecosystem.
Everyone is concerned: citizens, farmers, schools, companies! We can still act! 💪🏼
Insect conservation concerns everyone, from citizens to farmers, schools and companies. It is still possible to act and make a difference!
- The citizens play a crucial role in adopting environmentally friendly practices. They can plant wildflowers in their gardens to provide habitats and food sources for insects, create special shelters for them and reduce the use of harmful chemicals in their daily lives.
- The schools also have an important role to play, as they have the power to educate and influence the future generation. It is essential to integrate knowledge about biodiversity into the curriculum and to raise awareness of the importance of insects in our ecosystems. Initiatives such as the use of our GreenBox, an interactive educational experience with a geolocation application, can enable students to better understand biodiversity and become actively involved in its preservation.
- To preserve insect populations, it is essential to rethinking our agricultural practices and our consumption habits. Minimising the use of pesticides and favouring organic and sustainable alternatives are essential measures. Protecting and restoring natural habitats is also essential to ensure the survival of insects by providing them with suitable spaces for their development.
In short, insect conservation is a collective responsibility. Everyone can help save these precious creatures by taking concrete actions in their daily lives. By working together, we can make a real difference in preserving biodiversity and ensuring the balance of our ecosystems.
What should we remember?
The disappearance of insects is an issue of great importance that requires our attention. That is why we are motivated every day to provide our insect hotels and GreenBoxes to companies, homes, schools and institutions.
It is exciting to see, especially through our app, that we have the power to recreate ecosystems and really help biodiversity. By using our insect hotels and GreenBoxes, we can help preserve insects and create a community of people committed to nature.
Every day, by providing our solutions and encouraging the active participation of all, we contribute to the preservation of insects and to building a world where biodiversity is valued and protected.
