Nearly one in ten of Europe’s native bee species are facing extinction, according to a report in The Guardian.
A study of all 1,965 European bee species found many in dramatic decline due to human activity, including intensive farming, insecticide use and climate change.
The study, by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), found another 5.2% are likely to be threatened in the near future, while more than a quarter are at risk of dying out.
“It’s very clear that something is going horribly wrong with our agricultural practices which are the main driver of these declines, whether it is increased pesticide use, the destruction and conversion of grasslands, or the loss of natural vegetation and intensified farming methods,” said Ariel Brunner, head of EU policy at Birdlife.
Furthermore, bees play an essential role in sustaining ecosystems and pollinating crops.
“Our quality of life – and our future – depends on the many services that nature provides for free. If we don’t address the reasons behind this decline in wild bees, and act urgently to stop it, we could pay a very heavy price indeed,” said Karmen Vella, the EU’s environment commissioner.
No species should be allowed to slip into extinction due to human activity. Will you help me demand the European Union takes immediate action to halt the decline?
Please sign and share this petition to urge Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission to take urgent action to save Europe’s bees from extinction.
