protection of species
WWF: Insect deaths continue to be of dramatic proportions
A bumblebee flies towards the flower of a Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). photo
© Felix Kästle/dpa
Five years ago, the Krefeld Entomological Association published a groundbreaking study on insect decline. According to the WWF, the situation has not improved – on the contrary.
Five years after the dramatic results of a Krefeld study on insect mortality, conservationists see no reason to give the all-clear. The situation has not improved, said Peter Weißhuhn, project manager for insect protection at WWF Germany. “More recent studies sometimes paint an even more dramatic picture.” Drastic fewer pesticides are therefore needed in agriculture, by at least 50 percent by 2030. In addition, the promised phase-out of glyphosate by 2023 must come without exception. Overall, the conversion to sustainable and organic agriculture must progress more.
The controversial weed killer glyphosate is currently approved in the EU until December 15th. The pesticide is also suspected of causing cancer.
Five years ago, the Krefeld Entomological Association published a groundbreaking study on insect decline. During surveys in 63 German protected areas between 1989 and 2016, a decline of 76 percent (up to 82 percent in midsummer) in flying insect biomass was found. This triggered a broad debate in Germany about insect mortality.
Link to the Krefeld study