With a staggering 75% decrease in insect populations over the last 50 years, biologist Dave Goulson warns of the devastating impact this has on life on Earth.
Insects, once abundant and diverse, are now facing a rapid decline that poses a severe threat to the balance of our ecosystems. Having spent much of my life studying these fascinating creatures, from the forests of Bhutan to the deserts of Patagonia, I’ve witnessed their wonder. Yet, the alarming reality is that insects are disappearing at an unprecedented rate.
The evidence is undeniable: since my childhood, insect populations have dropped by 75%, and every year we lose more species. In North America, monarch butterflies are vanishing, while Germany’s woodlands and grasslands suffer from a drastic reduction in insect life. In the UK, the range of bees and hoverflies has contracted, signaling a broader environmental crisis.
Insects are vital for pollination, decomposition, and sustaining food chains. Without them, our natural world would collapse. The consequences of their loss are far-reaching, and unless we act swiftly, the damage could be irreversible. This is not just an environmental issue—it’s a warning that the collapse of our ecosystems may already be underway.
