Devastating Bees

Albert Einstein once wrote that “if the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would have only four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.” (Goodreads). Insect pollinators are responsible for approximately one third of food crops (Greenpeace, 3) Most wild plants rely on indirect or direct pollination in order to reproduce and thus the environment and economy govern on successful pollination (Green Peace, 3). Pollination, in most geographic regions, is primarily due to bees (Greenpeace, 3) There are two main types of bees; European honey bees and Bumble bees (Birch, 3) Bee populations, both honey and bumble, are under attack and are declining in various location …show more content…
While parasites and diseases can impact bee colonies and lifespan, honey bee keepers and wild bees have been dealing with these problems for years (Ontario, 5). Pesticide supporters blame the parasites and mites as the main element in the decrease of bee population. While other suggest that insecticides weaken bees immune systems making them more susceptible to parasites, such as Varroa destructor and Nosema crane (Greenpeace, 5) (Hopwood, vi). The use of Neonicatinoid insecticides can be traced back to the mid 1990’s, with the introduction of imidacloprid (Hopwood, v) ( Greenpeace, 5). There are six types of neonicatinoids which are used in agriculture (Hopwood, 5). This insecticides grouping eliminates pest through paralysis; blocking the nervous system of the targeted pest (Hopwood, 13). There are many ways to administer neonicatinoids all of which resurface in pollen, nectar and in the soil impacting pollinators which feed and live near them (Hopwood, v). Evidence suggest these pesticides cause damage to other species that bees, which include the human brain, nervous system and hormonal system and other pollinator such as butterflies and birds (Suzuki). Experiments have concluded that Neonicatinoids in sub-lethal doses reduce bees navigation skills, stunt growth, modify the queen bees lifespan, alter respiratory patterns, change mobility and impact foraging patterns (Ontraio)(Greenpeace 31-33). Like many issue there are opposing forces who claim that there is a lack of clear research in regards of the direct effect of neonicatinoids; several articles labeled these supporters as people who benefit from the market of pesticides (Hopwood, v)(Ontario, 5) (BBC). In a world conference regarding the effect of pesticides (neonicatiniods) on ecosystem, scientists concluded