Buzzkill: The Hidden Emergency of The Insect Crisis

The International Day for Biological Diversity has come around once again, with this years’ theme being ‘harmony with nature and sustainable development’. This annual day acts as a timely reminder of the extent of our ongoing biodiversity crisis, and how critical it is to restore the planet’s variety of life and reverse the damage in order to sustain a future. At Recorra, supporting sustainable development is a vital aspect of our mission, having been born from Friends of the Earth 35 years ago.  

Insects, though often overlooked, are a vital cornerstone of biodiversity and finding space for them must be considered as part of sustainable development. These tiny creatures perform essential roles, from pollination and soil aeration to waste decomposition, that keep ecosystems functioning. Without them, the delicate balance of nature begins to unravel, putting countless species, including humans, at risk. 

The good news is that everyone can make a difference. Here are a few simple yet impactful actions you can take to support biodiversity and help reverse this worrying trend:  

Respect insects and bugs

It’s easy enough to squash an annoying fly that’s bugging you (pardon the pun), but instances like these are becoming increasingly rarer. This is because insect numbers are in serious decline globally, in some places by over 90%. So, what can we do? Insects are the foundation of countless ecosystems, and sadly, nearly all recent declines and extinctions in insect populations are caused by human actions. This, in turn, has devasting impacts for entire ecosystems, as the primary consumers are disappearing, which has a snowball effect on all organisms on the planet.  

A  citizen science project that tracks flying insects in the UK revealed a 60% decline between 2004 and 2021. Although this may not seem like a huge issue, bugs are at the bottom of the food chain, meaning every single species relies on their existence to survive. They pollinate plants, decompose organic matter and biological waste, and serve as food for countless animals. Despite holding entire ecosystems together, insects are currently facing a shocking population decline. This hidden emergency, known as The Insect Crisis, could have impacts even larger than climate change. A shocking scientific review revealed that insects could be extinct within the next century. They may be small, but insects play an outsized role in maintaining life on Earth. Resist the urge to kill bugs unnecessarily, and encourage others to do the same.

Provide your workplace with organic foods

The widespread use of pesticides and inadequate risk assessment policies are major factors contributing to the decline in insect populations. Choosing organic produce avoids these harmful chemicals and promotes soil health which helps preserve insect life that supports biodiversity. Recent research has found that switching to organic food could be a major way to combat the decline of insect populations.

Utilise your office’s green space

Green spaces can become a valuable tool for conservation and biological diversity. Composting reduces general waste and nourishes your garden naturally. It also provides a habitat for insects and microorganisms that help your plants grow and contribute to a healthy environment. Recorra’s compostables service was created with this in mind. Supporting green spaces, this service turns compostable food packaging, such as Vegware, into nutrient-rich, peat-free compost. Through in-vessel composting, we divert waste from landfill and produce compost that nourishes the soil without relying on peat. This helps protect fragile ecosystems and prevents the release of carbon stored in peatlands. 

Planting also supports local wildlife, improves air quality, and helps rebuild ecosystems from the ground up. Even without actively planting, you can make a difference by reducing the frequency with which you mow the lawn, giving ecosystems the time and space to thrive and let nature take the lead. 

Act before it’s too late

This International Day for Biological Diversity, we have a responsibility to take action for the species that don’t have a voice in their own survival. As George Orwell famously wrote in Animal Farm, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This quote reflects the global trend in conservation, where invertebrates are often overlooked, a phenomenon referred to as “institutional vertebratism”.  

The decline and extinction of insect populations have consequences that far exceed the mere loss of species and their worth, but rather destabilise whole ecosystems, as they act as the foundation of our entire food chain. And their survival isn’t just about ethics, it’s about economics, too, with insect pollination estimated to have a monetary value of $235–577 billion per year globally!  

Try implementing some of the actions in this blog to help support harmony with nature today.  

By Tara Vellani