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Writer's pictureFiach OBroin-Molloy

4 Biggest Threats to Bee Survival

Updated: Jun 1, 2023

Bee populations are facing numerous threats, which can have a significant impact on our ecosystem and food security. As Albert Einstein once said, "If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man." This statement highlights the important role that bees play in our world, and it's crucial that we take steps to protect them. In this blog post, we'll explore the biggest threats to bee populations, including habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and climate change.



Habitat Loss:

One of the biggest threats to bee populations is the loss of their natural habitats. Bees require a range of plants for food and nesting sites, and as urbanization and agriculture continue to expand, these habitats are disappearing. According to a study by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), up to 40% of the world's insect species, including bees, are facing extinction. The loss of natural habitats means that there are fewer places for bees to forage, and this can have a significant impact on their populations.



Pesticide Use:

Another major threat to bee populations is the use of pesticides. Pesticides can kill bees outright, and even low levels of exposure can harm their ability to fly, navigate, and reproduce. A recent study by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that three neonicotinoid pesticides pose a high risk to bees. The study also found that exposure to these pesticides can reduce bee populations by up to 25%. In response to these findings, the European Union has placed a temporary ban on the use of these pesticides on flowering crops.



Disease:

Disease is another significant threat to bee populations. Bees can be affected by a range of diseases, including the notorious Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). CCD occurs when the majority of the bees in a colony die, and it has been a significant problem for beekeepers in recent years. The exact cause of CCD is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including disease, pesticides, and habitat loss.


Climate Change:

Climate change is also having an impact on bee populations. Changes in weather patterns can affect the timing and availability of food sources, and this can have a significant impact on bee populations. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures are expected to rise by between 1.5°C and 4.5°C over the next century. This will have a significant impact on bee populations, and it is essential that we take action to mitigate the effects of climate change.


Bee populations are facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and climate change. These threats can have a significant impact on our ecosystem and food security, and it's crucial that we take steps to protect bees. We can all play a role in protecting bees by planting native flowers, reducing our use of pesticides, and supporting conservation efforts. By taking action, we can help ensure that these important pollinators continue to thrive for generations to come.


References:

  1. Center for Biological Diversity. (2019). Up to 40% of Insect Species are at Risk of Extinction. Retrieved from https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2019/insects-04-04-2019.html

  2. European Food Safety Authority. (2013). Scientific Opinion on the risks posed by neonicotinoids to bees. Retrieved from https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3613

  3. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2013). Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/


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