 |
| France Becomes First Country in Europe to Ban All Five Pesticides Killing Bees
Just came across this article that reminds me of Silent Spring! France continues to amaze me at how progressive they are in leading sustainability and conservation efforts in face of global warming, climate change, and just the environment in general
|
Comments
For those who don't know, bees are incredibly important for humans. Do you drink almond milk? Every year, bees across the country are brought to CA to pollinate almond plantations. I think they're exclusively pollinated by bees. Do you like avocados, strawberries, vanilla, coffee, plums, onions...? All pollinated by bees. So much of the non-staple crops (rice, corn, and soy which are wind pollinated), are pollinated by bees. The bee crisis could easily turn into a global food crisis. Though we would still survive without them and the foods they pollinate, our diet would be much less varied and frankly unappetizing in my opinion. Glad to hear France cares about the bees.
ReplyDeleteI agree that bees are so crucial to every day lifestyles, as well as plant biodiversity as well if we consider how they enable seeds or pollen to be transported long distances. This article definitely ties in to Silent Spring and the talk of extirpating bees brings me to Carson's bleak fable imagery of cities that lack the vibrant plants and fruits and flowers we rely on for many needs and aesthetics. Protecting pollinators should continue to be a growing concern across all nations, and I hope alternates for pesticides will be developed. Farmers' livelihoods and produce are just as important in this scenario, it would be wrong to disregard their misgivings about insecticide blanket bans.
DeleteBees are extremely important to us, so the fact that the United Nations believe invertebrate pollinators, bees and butterflies, are at risk for global extinction is absolutely terrifying. I agree with Marilyn’s point that our bee crisis could potentially turn into a global food crisis because bees pollinate so many food items. I am so happy France has taken this radical step to protect the dwindling bee population by banning five pesticides. The article pointed out something that I found very interesting, which was there has been research that bees could develop an addiction to the insecticides similar to nicotine for smokers.
ReplyDeleteWithout bees, we would suffer unimaginably. They cause the vast majority of pollination throughout nature; without them, we could face a famine unlike any ever seen before. It's imperative that we do everything in our power to save the bees, and France is boldly taking charge. The article itself harkens heavily to Silent Spring, and that makes a very strong impression. Ultimately, it will be up to the public to press the issue and to fight for the survival of pollinating insects. We will have to force lawmakers and politicians into action, or there never will be any.
ReplyDelete