75% ...

Habitat destruction combined with pesticide use, what could possibly go wrong?

The number of flying insects has plummeted by 75 percent in the last 25 years, according to a study that suggests we are approaching an “ecological Armageddon”. 

The implications for humanity are profound, with insects providing an essential role for life on earth as pollinators of plants and prey for larger animals.  

Although it was known species such as bees and butterflies were declining, scientists were left shocked by the drop in numbers across nature reserves in Germany.

While no single cause was identified, the widespread destruction of wild areas for agriculture and the use of pesticides are considered likely factors. Climate change was also cited as playing a potential role. 

Note: This data was garnered in 2017, which means the loss of insect populations could be even higher.