Insects are more than just pests; they are crucial to the planet's ecology and food supply. Scientists believe that we can pitch in to help the little critters.
What Threatens the Insect Population?
Today, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, a paper published reveals the decline of insects due to climate change. Dozens of scientists from across the globe contributed reports on how insects are faring all over the world.
According to an article by National Geographic, the number of crawling, burrowing, or flying insects has dropped by a percentage in some parts of the planet. This means a severe decline where the world could lose up to a third of all insect populations in just two decades.
The study notes that despite the insect diversity throughout 450 million years, rapidly shifting temperature and precipitation patterns pose a novel challenge for insects. Anthropogenic stressors such as the degradation of land and other human activities are to blame for the rapid decline in insect populations.
Results of the study show that climate change impacts have the potential to be considerable compared to changes in land use.
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The Good News
On a lighter note, not all insects are declining. Some species are even flourishing.
Insects are estimated to have 10 million species suffering the same problems -- deforestation, invasive species, and climate change.
David Wagner from the University of Connecticut entomologists and contributor to the reports says, "Death by a thousand cuts."
Insect populations are essential for a wide variety of reasons. They support the world's food supply, pollinate flowers, and more.
Despite many of us not being fond of insects and choose to stay away from Earth's tiniest creatures, insects play a role in our lives that we often neglect to see.
An ecologist from the University of Nevada, Matthew Forister, tells National Geographic "insects, like every bit of the natural world, are declining"
How Can Humans Help Insects?
Helping slow the decline of insect populations doesn't mean you have to interact with the insects one-on-one. According to the Endangered Species International Organization, there are a few simple things you can do to do your part.
First, plant local trees, shrubs, and flowers in possible in your backyard. Your local insect species will thrive when their food supply is abundant.
Second, stop using bug zappers. Not only are they damaging to insect diversity, but they usually fail to attract mosquitoes. There are natural ways to repel mosquitos without harming other insect species.
Next, don't use artificial fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals are harmful to you and the insect population. Instead, use organic fertilizers from composts and manure that favors insects. Plus, it will help you get rid of food waste.
Lastly, climate change is the main culprit for the rapid decline of insects worldwide. One of the best ways to help is to reduce carbon footprints and do what you can to keep the environment clean and natural.
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