The rapid loss in the bee population causes great concern for the welfare of humanity. This swift decrease in bees is known as Colony Collapse Disorder. The cause of this decline is currently unknown and is happening across the U.S. and Europe. In the U.S., it is estimated that in the last 50 years, 50% of the domestic bee population has been lost. Why is this important and how does this effect humanity? Bee’s pollination is necessary for the survival of many crops. Their work results in $15 billion dollars of crop values of such products as almonds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. This could result in a food crisis as many important products rely on pollination to thrive. Bees perform 80% of pollination and one-third of human food consumption is reliant on pollinated plants. As bees decline, crops, decline, and animal species dependent on those products will decline, creating a chain reaction of environmental destruction. As bee populations decline, massive government action and scientific studies need to take place to find the root cause of this catastrophe in order to halt and reverse this problem.
Many possible explanations for this problem could be: the increased pollution of the affected areas, the increase in pesticide use for crops, or an unknown disease. The former two are very plausible case as our limited knowledge of many of the environmental impacts that our pollution causes. The loss of bees is also occurring in highly pollution areas, giving more reason that this could be a possible explanation. It is important for us to understand if this is the problem. Dr. Max Watkins said, “If it turns out to be a disease we will probably find a cure. But if it turns out to be something different, like environmental pollution, then I don’t know what can be done.” We need to quickly discover if this is the case so that we can take action to counter this problem. It could also be an unknown disease, and if so research needs to be done to cure this disease. Some scientists, in researching found a possible responsible party in one strain of parasite. This research is a step in the right direction in progress being made toward finding the root cause in order to stop this problem.
This is an issue of extreme importance that needs to be solved. Whether caused by human pollution or some type of disease, the loss of bees will result in horrendous environmental problems. The loss of bees creates a domino effect that greatly affects many other species. In addition to the environmental impacts of this problem, the economy will suffer as many crops that the world economy relies on does not get its necessary pollination to thrive. The loss of species in this world, mainly due to human’s negative actions, has many impacts on the surrounding environment. With this issue of bees, we are starting to see some of the potential negative impacts. We need the government to fund scientific research to find a cure to this issue in order to prevent it. If we can prevent this problem, we will have learned a lesson about the importance of different species as well as the environment in which we live.
I definitely agree with Kevin that the loss of species in our world is of great importance. What many people and governments do not realize is that if we lose one species it is not just a loss of that particular species but many times leads to the loss of other species and in cases like this one crops and livelihood as well. At the same time, our world population is continuing to increase steadily and will be reaching extremely high numbers soon. Because of this, nations will need as much food as possible to feed the ever increasing numbers of people. Hunger is already an issue of great importance and will only increase as the population does. The world cannot afford to lose these natural pollinators for fear of losing large amounts of agriculture. It is necessary for the government to address this issue because as Kevin states, losing a species such as the bee would only cause a ripple effect (in a harmful way) on the environment, animals, and people.
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ReplyDeleteI'm just starting to get involved with raising bees, but from what I've heard, organic bee keepers have not reported any cases of Colony Collapse in their hives. This points to raising practices as the cause of CCD. Most comercial keepers fumigate hives with pesticides, utilize bees extensively bred for a larger body size that has lower disease resistance, and truck their bees to farms for extra revenue; a practice which stresses hives and causes worker failure.
ReplyDeleteThough honey bees are not native to this continent, it is clear that they serve a vital function in our food system. A transition away from conventional agricultural practices will reduce pesticide and GMO use, both of which are thought to contribute to CCD.
Before reading this blog, I never really realized how important bees were in agriculture. My family actually raises bees at our house (my mom even has the whole suit and everything) and I never realized how important it was to raise them. I definitely think we need to raise the awareness of loss of species- especially when it effects major crops and the food system of America. Is there any proposed plan or action to be taken on this issue?
ReplyDelete-Alex Athans
Unfortunately I do not believe there is a proposed plan or action being taken. I do not understand why not because of all the evidence of how this is affecting our environment is extremely well supported. I actually heard about all of this last year in a public speaking class because a girl gave a speech on it and I was also amazed at how important they are. In her speech she had some good pointers and ideas for trying to help the bees. Just planting a small flower garden in your back yard and instead of killing a bee when it comes into your house actually letting it out. I know that is all minor but if a bunch of people did it I am sure it would help alot.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this issue is one that is very important. I'm shocked that the government hasn't done anything to possibly remedy the situation. In one of my classes my professor said that most of Europe has banned a pesticide that they believe is linked to CCD.
ReplyDeleteI never actually realized how important bees were to our food supply. It's very interesting to see how something so small could have such a large positive impact on this world. The loss of bees will affect thousands of plant species and will surely cause chaos in terms of food shortages. I personally think that CCD is caused by our pesticide use. I think that we should stop using pesticides so heavily, especially since the need for pesticide use grows over time because the insects form resistances to it. I would totally try to raise bees if I wasn't deathly afraid of them. It would be really cool if the government offered incentives to people for raising bees though.