1.16.2011

Neonicotinoid Pesticides Causing Catastrophic Collapse

The ongoing, accelerating, catastrophic demise of bee colonies around the globe could put our whole food chain in danger. Scientists blame toxic pesticides, neonicotinoids in particular, for the steep decline. Bees, like all of us, don't stand alone but are a strand in the intricate web of life.

"Widespread use of insecticides isn't only affecting bee populations but also causing decline in numbers of birds, butterflies and moths", warns Dutch toxicologist Dr Henk Tennekes. "An ecological collapse is already taking place before our eyes". In his book, Tennekes writes that even minute traces of these pesticides could be fatal to insects, as continued use affects food availability for birds, a lack of weeds resulting in a loss of insects, as well as seeds. This decline is also linked to a lack of larger insects upon which chicks depend for their survival, which in turn affects breeding.

We are all in this together, it's insanity to poison ourselves and risk the uncertainty of catastrophic ecological collapse all in the name of shortsighted profits and the delusion of entitlement. One thing a person can do right this minute is to Sign The Petition at AVAAZ calling for the immediately ban the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Longer term, don't panic-go organic, quality trumps quantity, hard work in the mud is its own reward, there is no free lunch, turn on, tune in and drop out, etc.

Four European governments have already banned them. The US, Canada, the EU and other governments across the world might join the ban if enough public pressure were brought to force them to bite one of the corporate hands that feeds them. Politicians will act, laws will change, when, and only when, they fear losing their place at the trough in the next election.

"We are witnessing an ecological collapse in all the wildlife that used to live in fields, hedgerows, ponds and streams. All the common species we knew as children are being wiped from the face of the countryside." - Graham White, environmental author

GLOBAL BEE EMERGENCY -- ACT NOW!