The Buzz about Bees: A Call to Action for Pesticide Regulation

Hello everyone — My name is Ava Thornely. I am from Aspen, CO. I am a junior at Southern Methodist University (SMU) studying majors Public Relations, Fashion Media, Journalism, and minoring in Advertising. 

I have done many projects throughout my time in college, and I want to educate others on how vital bees are to our planet.

Did you know if bees disappeared humans would only have four years left to live? I didn’t know either until I watched the 2007 Bee Movie intended for kids.

After that, I had a fascination with bees. Bees are vital to living yet it isn't talked about half as much as global warming or natural disasters. Moreover, the bee population has been declining globally. To give you an idea of how many bees are dying in the U.S., in 1960 there were five million hives and in 2016 there are about two million. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the report states that around 20,000 species of bees play a crucial role in pollinating more than 75% of the world's food crops.

Because of these staggering statistics and my passion for bee advocacy, I have been thinking of a potential solution. Therefore, in my opinion, the solution is that The United States Environmental Protection Agency should regulate pesticides to save the bees. Regulating pesticides can help save bees by limiting harmful ones and assessing risks. This lets regulators decide if a pesticide is safe and how it should be used. Bees are crucial for keeping ecosystems diverse and stable. They help many flowering plants reproduce and are vital pollinators for crops. But if there are fewer bees to pollinate crops, it could mean lower yields and poorer quality, leading to less food and higher prices. Another threat of the decline in bee populations can result in increased production costs for farmers who may need to resort to artificial pollination methods.

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These concepts can be complex, let me break it down to the specifics. Pesticide regulation often includes the banning or restriction of highly toxic pesticides, especially those that have been harming bees. Pesticide residues in crops, water, and the environment are monitored to ensure compliance with established safety limits. Regulatory agencies set maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides in food and regularly test and enforce these limits to protect consumers and the environment. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential because it reduces the dependence on chemical pesticides, which can harm bees. IPM includes the following components: using natural predators and parasites to control pest populations. Implementing farming techniques could reduce pest pressure. Continual monitoring of pest populations and their impact on crops, allows for timely intervention when necessary. 

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The long-term benefits of healthier bee populations for agriculture and ecosystems. Healthier bee populations contribute to improved pollination of crops, leading to higher yields and better crop quality. This, in turn, supports agricultural sustainability by reducing the need for costly artificial pollination methods. Bees play a key role in pollinating wild plants, which helps maintain biodiversity. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient and better able to withstand environmental changes. Healthy bee populations are essential for food security. Bees pollinate many of the world's food crops, ensuring a diverse and nutritious food supply.

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The fate of the bees is closely intertwined with our own, and it's within our power to make a difference. I hope that everyone who reads this entry can inspire or inform at least one person. 

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If this blog inspired you, I encourage you to sign the petition https://www.change.org/p/department-for-environment-save-the-bees-ban-the-use-of-chemical-pesticides-in-public-spaces-plant-flowers-instead or send me an email avathornely@gmail.com