Five years after the dramatic results of a German insect mortality study, conservationists see no reason to make everything clear. The situation has not improved, says Peter Weißhuhn, insect protection project manager at WWF Germany. “In some cases, more recent studies paint an even more dramatic picture.”
In agriculture, therefore, drastically fewer pesticides are needed, by at least 50 percent by 2030. In addition, the promised phasing out of glyphosate in 2023 must come without exception. Overall, the transition to sustainable and organic farming needs to progress further.
The controversial herbicide glyphosate is currently approved in the EU until December 15. The pesticide is also suspected of being carcinogenic.
Five years ago, the Krefeld Entomological Society (in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia) published a groundbreaking study on the decline of insects. Surveys in 63 German protected areas between 1989 and 2016 found a 76 percent decrease (to 82 percent in summer) in flying insect biomass. This led to a broad discussion in Germany about insect mortality.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
