Posted on 04/20/2022 10:01:12 AM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
Insect numbers have plunged by half in some parts of the world due to climate change and intensive agriculture, a study has found.
The combined pressures of global heating and farming are driving a "substantial decline" of insects across the globe, according to UK researchers.
They say we must acknowledge the threats we pose to insects, before some species are lost forever.
But preserving habitat for nature could help ensure vital insects thrive.
Lead researcher, Dr Charlie Outhwaite of UCL, said losing insect populations could be harmful not only to the natural environment, but to "human health and food security, particularly with losses of pollinators".
"Our findings highlight the urgency of actions to preserve natural habitats, slow the expansion of high-intensity agriculture, and cut emissions to mitigate climate change," she added.
Plummeting populations of insects around the world - a so-called "insect apocalypse" - have caused widespread concern.
However, scientific data gives a mixed picture, with some types of insects showing drastic declines, while others are staying steady.
But the researchers said there was some cause for hope in that setting aside areas of land for nature created a refuge for insects, which need shade to survive in hot weather.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Insect counters...Amazing...
I’d hate to be the insect counter who was assigned the ants.
“Canadian beekeepers lost 50% of their colonies this last winter.”
Global freezing...never mind warming, they were just joking.
SOOOOOO—
Why are they releasing GMO mosquitoes that are sterilized???
What will bats eat???
I hadn’t thought about that. You are right...this is the logical place for autonomous vehicles, isn’t it? The problem of autonomous driving ag equipment should be a lot easier to solve than autonomous automobiles, probably 100X simpler.
Obviously, we have to stop eating so many of the little buggers.
Livestock pastures are one of the most commodious places on earth to insects and small animals. Plus the grazing livestock stabilize the topsoil by trampling on it and enrichen it by pooping on it.
So we should stop persecuting poor, helpless tomatoes and cabbages and EAT MORE STEAK.
The writer should go to Minnesota. There is no shortage of insects. Mosquitos will drain you in seconds if you step outdoors.
#22
25 new combines with attachment is around $500,000 to upwards of $1,000,000 each.
The fuel alone is expensive now!
Yeah, insects love cold weather. /s
In some places in the world insect populations are down 50 percent....like parking lot as and housing developments
And this after warnings that global warming will cause pestilence from insects. I just can’t keep track of all the magical powers of global warming. I mean climate change.
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