Toxic impact of pesticides on bees has doubled, study shows

[Rhiannon12866]

Analysis contradicts claims that the environmental impact of pesticides is falling, say scientists

The toxic impact of pesticides on bees and other pollinators has doubled in a decade, new research shows, despite a fall in the amount of pesticide used.

Modern pesticides have much lower toxicity to people, wild mammals and birds and are applied in lower amounts, but they are even more toxic to invertebrates. The study shows the higher toxicity outweighs the lower volumes, leading to a more deadly overall impact on pollinators and waterborne insects such as dragonflies and mayflies.

The scientists said their work contradicts claims that declines in the amount of pesticides used is reducing their environmental impact. The research also shows that the toxic impact of pesticides used on genetically modified crops remains the same as conventional crops, despite claims that GM crops would reduce the need for pesticides.

The research is based on the use and toxicity of 380 pesticides applied in the US from 1992 to 2016. The scientists said the same trend of lower volumes but greater toxic impact is likely for many regions in the world, but open-access data on pesticide use is not available in the EU, Latin America, China or Russia.

Pesticides are one factor cited by scientists for the plunging populations of some insects. Insects play vital roles in the ecosystems that sustain humanity, in particular by pollinating three-quarters of crops.


Much more: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/01/toxic-impact-of-pesticides-on-bees-has-doubled-study-shows


The study shows the higher pesticide toxicity outweighs the lower volumes, leading to a more deadly overall impact on pollinators and waterborne insects Photograph: Dpa/Alamy Stock Photo

[Hugh_Lebowski]

1. You mean to tell me that PESTICIDES ... are killing ... insects?

Who'd have thunk it?

I thought they were for something completely different.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. Well, losing bees would be a national tragedy, they are "essential workers."

[Hugh_Lebowski]

3. Of course I totally understand this, I love bees

I just don't really understand why anyone would think we aren't going to be killing a whole lot them when we're spraying crops with pesticides.