Importantce of Bees

The bees are in danger- Here’s why it matters.

In the quiet hum of a bee lies the heartbeat of our planet. These small winged wonders are crucial to life as we know it, yet they face an ever growing crisis that threatens entire ecosystems, food supplies, and even our future. The global bee crisis is not just a fancy word for environmentalists or farmers - it is a call to action for all of us. Bees are really disappearing and with them, the fragile balance of our ecosystem and food supply is at risk. And understanding the threat is perhaps the very first step we can take.

Bees are really indispensable. But what’s endangering them, and how can we help them thrive? Let’s learn more.

Why are bees critical for our survival?

Nature’s master pollinators

Bees play a starring role in pollination. A process that is critical for plants to produce fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Without bees, crops like apples, almonds, berries, and countless more would struggle to grow. In fact, you will be surprised to know that bees are responsible for pollinating over 70 percent of the world’s top crops. Yes, bees are that important.

Champions of biodiversity

Beyond food, bees are considered as the guardians of biodiversity. Thanks to them pollinating wild plants, they ensure the survival of countless other species. Whenever you see a thriving bee population in the area, it is a really clear indication of a thriving ecosystem.

The causes behind the bee crisis

Despite being such an incredible cog in the entire balance of the ecosystem, experts have noted a plummeting bee population worldwide. Causes might be varied, but together they form the perfect storm of challenges. Here are the top causes behind the bee crisis.

Pesticides: Modern agriculture has seen a heavy reliance on the use of pesticides, many of which are extremely toxic to bees. The use of synthetic pesticides causes the plant to absorb it and therefore expose any bee to the lethal chemicals when they land on them to collect nectar and pollen.
Climate change: The rise of global temperatures and erratic weather shifts often disrupt the delicate balance that the bees depend on. The changing global climate has led to flowers blooming at the wrong time and extreme weather events destroying entire habitats, leaving bees with much fewer resources to survive.
Diseases and parasites: Plenty of parasites and diseases can wreak havoc in the bee population. Parasites such as varroa mite weaken colonies by spreading the virus among other members of the colony. Combined with diseases, it can make it nearly impossible for a colony to completely recover.
Habitat loss: Rapid urbanization and industrial farming have stripped away the wildflower-rich landscapes bees need to forage and nest. As their habitats vanish, so do the bees.

What happens if the bees disappear?

While many might consider this to be an environmental hurdle that can easily be avoided, it is important to note that this is a real crisis. A crisis that affects us all.

Without bees, fruit and vegetable production would take a massive hit and decline dramatically. This would lead to global shortages of essential foods and make healthy diets harder to achieve. This in turn would trigger the prices to rise. As the crop yields drop, prices will soar astronomically, creating an economic burden. This would hit the vulnerable population the hardest and accelerate global hunger. Ecosystems too are at the mercy of these little bugs as bees are often considered as a keystone species. This means their loss would trigger a domino effect in ecosystems that sustain countless species.

How can you make a difference for the bees?

It has been all glum and gloomy news till now. But we have some really good news for you. The damage has not been irreparable and a few conscious steps to support bees can help to combat their declining population. Every small action adds up to a larger impact. Here’s what you can do to help.

Plant bee friendly plants and flowers

If you have a balcony or outdoor garden, consider transforming it into a haven for bees by planting some of the favorite flowers of bees. These include sunflowers, lavender, or even wildflowers. Native plant species should always be considered, as these will be able to provide bees with the food year-round.

Ditch pesticides

When gardening, always opt for organic methods instead of relying on chemical pesticides. If pests have been a problem for you, consider using natural pest control methods to keep harmful insects at bay.

Spread the word

Finally, try spreading awareness on this issue among friends and family. The more people who understand the issue, the stronger our collective efforts will be.

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