Save the Bees!
When most people think of bees, they have a negative perception of them. Many people fear bees for their painful stings. Almost everyone who has been stung by a bee before knows how painful their hot stings can be. However, did you know that bees are one of the most important species in our ecosystems?
Bees are a vital presence in our ecosystem because of their ability to balance out biodiversity. More than 90% of the crops on our planet are pollinated thanks to bees. Bees are known as pollinators- an animal that helps move pollen from a male anther to a female stigma on a flower. Through pollination, many flowers and agricultural produce are able to spread. Pollination is the key factor in helping reproduce plants. Without pollination, plants won’t be able to reproduce and eventually, there would be no plants on our planet! Therefore, it’s important that bees help pollinate flowers and other plants.
The huge impact bees have on crops doesn’t just stop at pollination. Due to their pollination efforts, bees are able to promote the fields of agriculture/farming and food security. The amount of revenue made off of bee-pollinated agriculture ranges between $235 and $577 billion each year! Bees massively control the economy of the agricultural industry and are an essential figure. Countless farmers and consumers depend on our buzzing pollinators to ensure that there is enough produce each year. This also segways into bees’ huge impact on food security. Bees have an overwhelming presence in agriculture which ties in with food security. Without bees, it’s probable that humans won’t have enough to eat and many people will die of hunger. It’s all thanks to bees that we’re able to have plenty of fruits, vegetables, and many more foods at the grocery store and on our dinner tables.
Bees are great, however, in recent years they’ve been in increasing danger. Due to pesticides, drought, habitat destruction, pollution, global warming, and many other causes, bee populations have been on a rapid decline. For example, in 2006, David Hackenberg, a beekeeper of 40+ years, claimed that 90% of his bee colonies died out. In addition, the U.S. National Agricultural Statistics reports that there has been “a honey bee decline from about 6 million hives in 1947 to 2.4 million hives in 2008, a 60 percent reduction” (GreenPeace). With honeybee populations rapidly declining at a rapid rate, it is inevitable that agriculture, biodiversity, and our food security will be in severe jeopardy soon.
The road to extinction for the bee populations is an alarming issue. However, this doesn’t mean that it can’t be addressed and solved. One way you can save the bees is to plant a bee garden. One of the biggest threats against bees is that they have no habitat. Allowing bees to safely live in a risk-free habitat can help alleviate the stress bee populations are going through. In addition, planting trees is a great way to help out the bee population. Trees are a great source of food for bees, but also are a great place for bees to build a home! Planting trees can help lessen the impact habitat loss has on bee populations. Lastly, spreading awareness is extremely important. Advocating for the bees and educating the community on the various issues surrounding bees can help bring awareness to the bees. Hosting seminar events for young children and writing to your local legislators are all great ways to fight for the bees. The bee population is in danger, and they need your help. Take action quickly and help join the fight for the bees. Bee strong, Bee kind, and Bee aware.
Sources:
- https://www.worldbeeday.org/en/about/the-importance-of-bees.html#:~:text=Bees%20are%20vital%20for%20the,what%20makes%20food%20production%20possible.
- https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/sustainable-agriculture/save-the-bees/#:~:text=Scientists%20know%20that%20bees%20are,of%20these%20causes%20are%20interrelated.
- https://thebeeconservancy.org/10-ways-to-save-the-bees/
- https://friendsoftheearth.uk/nature/why-do-we-need-bees
Sarah Cho (sarahyeonjae@gmail.com) is a sophomore in Poolesville High School’s Global Ecology Magnet. She loves working on climate education projects as well as participating in environmental awareness projects. In her free time, Sarah enjoys camping, traveling, dancing, and hiking.
