A study has found insect numbers have declined by half in some parts of the world due to climate change and intensive agriculture. The combined pressures have caused "substantial declines" of insects, according to the UK researchers.
We must acknowledge the threats we pose to insects before some species are lost forever. 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 (授粉者)." Hopefully, we can take actions to help ensure vital insects thrive(繁荣). "Our findings highlight the urgency of actions to slow down climate change, including preserving natural habitats, slowing the expansion of high-intensity agriculture and cutting carbon emissions(碳排放)." she added.
Decreasing insects populations around the world have caused widespread concern. In the latest study, the researchers pulled together data on the range and number of nearly 20,000 insect species, including bees, ants, butterflies and dragonflies, at about 6,000 different locations. In areas with high–intensity agriculture and substantial warming, insect numbers have decreased by 49% and the number of different species have dropped by 27%, compared with relatively untouched places that have been less impacted by climate change and human activities, according to the research published in Nature.
Preserving natural habitats near farmland may be of help. It creats a protection for insects which need shade to survive in hot weather, according to Dr Tim Newbold, also of UCL. Another researcher, Peter MeCann, also added, "We need to acknowledge how important insects are for the environment as a whole, and for human health and well-being. We have found the problems and now we have to do something."
