Insect declines - then flowers and birds

Sunnuntai 22.10.2017 klo 20.04 - Mikko Nikinmaa

Insects pollinate about 80 % of flowers and are the major food of approximately 40 % of birds. Recent news have shown unexplained deaths in bee colonies, and the possible effects of neonicotinoid-treated seeds on pollinating insects discussed. However, in all earlier cases intensive agriculture has been discussed as making a contribution to the insect problems.

In view of this the recent report by Hallmann et al (PLoS ONE 12, e0185809) is worrisome. The scientists have determined flying insect biomass in German nature protection areas for about 30 years. During that time the biomass has decreased more than 3/4. Further, no reasons which could explain the decrease have been found. The decrease has occurred similarly in insect-rich and insect-poor habitats, so it is a general phenomenon and not associated with the change in habitats.

Let's hope that we find the reasons and can stop the decline before flowers and birds start disappearing, although already decreases in many bird populations have occurred. As yet, it is not known if these declines can be associated with the disappearance of insects, but the possibility exists.

Kommentoi kirjoitusta. Avainsanat: extinction, pollution, anthropogenic effects

Climate change, and the effect of anthropogenic carbon dioxide, just imagination?

Lauantai 11.3.2017 klo 16.05 - Mikko Nikinmaa

Quite incredibly the US Environmental Protection chief Scott Pruitt said that anthropogenic carbon dioxide is not the primary reason behind climate change. The scientists in EPA are of opposite opinion - thus a politician can say how things are opposite to what scientiststs who have carried out careful research on the topic have given as the conclusion by EPA. This shows the views of the present US president and his government. Lets go back to the past when there was no EPA and the environment could be be polluted so that a burning river resulted in generation of EPA. Personally, I think that if there is even a possibility that human influence endangers our environment, for the sake of future generations we should carry out corrective actions as best we can.

Kommentoi kirjoitusta. Avainsanat: fossil fuels, carbon dioxide, anthropogenic effects