Source: China Daily
Climate change has once again sounded the alarm for humanity, this time threatened by the "end" of insects that are not welcome but cannot be separated by human beings. The new study found that in parts of the world, insect populations have halved due to the effects of a warming climate and labor-intensive agriculture.
[Photo/Pexels]
Insect numbers have plunged by half in some parts of the world due to climate change and intensive agriculture, a study has found.
One study found that insect populations have halved in parts of the world as a result of climate change and intensive agriculture.
The combined pressures of global heating and farming are driving a 'substantial decline' of insects across the globe, according to UK researchers.
British researchers have found that the dual pressures of global warming and farming are causing a "sharp decline" in insect populations around the world.
They say we must acknowledge the threats we pose to insects, before some species are lost forever.
The researchers say humans must acknowledge the threat they pose to insects or some species will disappear forever.
But preserving habitat for nature could help ensure vital insects thrive.
However, protecting the natural habitat of insects can help some important insects thrive.
Lead researcher, Dr Charlie Outhwaite of UCL, said losing insect populations could be harmful not only to the natural environment, but to 'human health and food security, particularly with losses of pollinators'.
Dr Charlie Oswitt, principal investigator at University College London, noted that reduced insect populations are not only harmful to the natural environment, but also to "human health and food safety, with the loss of pollinator populations particularly harmful".
'Our findings highlight the urgency of actions to preserve natural habitats, slow the expansion of high-intensity agriculture, and cut emissions to mitigate climate change,' she added.
She added: "Our findings highlight the urgency of taking steps to protect natural habitats, slow the expansion of high-intensity agricultural production, and reduce emissions and mitigate climate change." ”
Plummeting populations of insects around the world - a so-called 'insect apocalypse' - have caused widespread concern.
The dramatic decline in insect populations around the world – the so-called "end of insects" – has raised widespread concerns.
However, scientific data gives a mixed picture, with some types of insects showing drastic declines, while others are staying steady.
However, the scientific data reflect mixed reviews, with some species of insects dropping sharply while others remaining stable.
In the latest study, the researchers pulled together data on the range and number of nearly 20,000 insect species, including bees, ants, butterflies, grasshoppers and dragonflies, at about 6,000 different locations.
In the latest study, the researchers collected data on the range and abundance of nearly 20,000 species of insects at about 6,000 different sites, including bees, ants, butterflies, grasshoppers and dragonflies.
In areas with high-intensity agriculture and substantial warming, insect numbers have plunged by 49% and the number of different species by 27%, compared with relatively untouched places that have so far avoided the most severe impacts of climate change, according to the research, published in Nature.
The study, published in the journal Nature, notes that insect populations and 27 percent fewer insect species have decreased in areas with high-intensity agricultural production and significant warming than in areas with the least climate change impacts and relatively little farming.
But the researchers said there was some cause for hope in that setting aside areas of land for nature created a refuge for insects, which need shade to survive in hot weather.
But the researchers say those natural "reserves" create shelters for insects that need shade in hot weather to survive, giving them a glimmer of hope for survival.
'Careful management of agricultural areas, such as preserving natural habitats near farmland, may help to ensure that vital insects can still thrive,' said Dr Tim Newbold, also of UCL.
Dr Tim Newbold, also from University College London, said: "Fine management of agricultural areas, such as protecting natural habitats near farmland, may help to ensure the survival of important insects. ”
Study researcher, Peter McCann, added: 'We need to acknowledge how important insects are for the environment as a whole, and for human health and wellbeing, in order to address the threats we pose to them before many species are lost forever.'
Peter McCann, who participated in the study, added: "We need to recognize the importance of insects to the overall environment and to human health and well-being in order to actively address the threat we pose to insects, lest many insects disappear forever." ”
Source: BBC
Translator & Editor: Dani