Buzz Kill: Insect Apocaplyse Hurts Global Economy Demonstrating Why We Need Bugs

Insect decline in the Anthropocene: Death by a thousand cuts Source: PNAS

Biodiversity collapse means decline insects that pollinate our feed leading to global food supply crises.

When people think of species at risk of extinction, insects do not immediately come to mind. Research shows that various types of insects have declined over 70%. From pollinating crops to feeding other animals, our economy needs insects. The goal of this research is to bring attention to the issue and educate others on the important role insects have

Why This Matters

• Food Security: Insects that pollinate crops are declining rapidly, harming food security.

• Food chain disruption: Becuase insects pollinate many of the plants we eat, with insects in decline, food supply chains are disrupted.

• Global Trade Depends on Insects: Total value of annual exports highly dependent on insects is $202 billion, making up 0.7% of total global trade.

• Global Trade Dependent on Insects Greater than GDP of 154 nations: The insect export economy, at $202 billion, is greater than the GDP of 154 nations.

• U.S. Exports Depend on Insects: U.S. 2021 export data reveals that the U.S. is the world's largest pollinator-dependent exporter globally at $16.17 billion dollars in 2021

Global Insect Related Trade Greater than GDP of 154 Nations Insects and the economy don’t appear to have much in common, however, insect’s contribution to pollinating the earth’s crops accounts for approximately $500 billion yearly. Scientists do their best to make these economic calculations, drawing attention to the variety of crops and plants that rely on insects year-round.

In fact, global economic trade depends on insects.

• Total value of annual exports highly dependent on insects is $202 billion, making up 0.7% of total global trade.

• The insect export economy, at $202 billion, is greater than the GDP of 154 nations.

U.S. Economic Exports Depend on Insects

The analysis of U.S. 2021 export data reveals that the U.S. is the world's largest pollinator-dependent exporter globally at $16.17 billion dollars in 2021. This $16.17 billion in total pollinator-dependent exports exceeds the individual export values of aircraft parts, beef, and medical appliances, demonstrating the strategic importance of these trade flows within the US export portfolio. The 2021 analysis also reveals that three specific categories of US exports of pollinator-dependent crops – citrus, other fruits, and cocoa –generated $3.88 billion in exports.  

The analyzed categories of cocoa ($1.91 billion), citrus ($903 million), and other fruits ($1.07 billion) represent approximately 24% of total US pollinator-dependent export activity, indicating that the present analysis captures less than one-quarter of the nation's economic exposure to pollinator decline. This $16.17 billion in U.S. exports depends on pollination. Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from one flower’s anther to another flower’s stigma, allowing plants to reproduce.

Insects Populations are Declinging

Land-use and deforestation, climate change, and pollution act as major contributors to global insect decline. From a regional standpoint, insects are greatly impacted by insecticides, herbicides, and increasing urbanization.  In heavily human-concentrated areas, insects face stronger decline. It’s important to note that this decline results from a combination of factors; habitat loss, urbanization, deforestation, and many other human-related issues. The three most important reasons include: 

• Climate change.

• Habitat loss and degradation.

• Agriculture.

The decrease of butterflies in Europe directly corresponds to the agricultural practices and technological advancements in farming. By modernizing agriculture, it becomes less able to work alongside our natural helpers.

It Starts With Pollination Pollination is the transfer of pollen between flowers, resulting in seeds, flowers, fruits, or vegetables.

• Pollination can be started via wind, insects, animals, or even water.

• Over 80% of flowering plants and 75% of all staple crops are pollinated.

• Over 60% to 70% of all plants rely on insect pollination and of these insects, bees are key.

The Benefits of Farming Insects

The idea of farming insects is new to many, and the concept has become increasingly more popular.  As we actively work towards combatting environmental issues, humans should prioritize insects as a tool for farming in lieu of cows and chickens. This is because insects are saving more energy, requiring less space, electricity, and water. Additionally, insects act as a healthier source of nutrients, as we are less likely to catch diseases from them.

By 2050, it is projected that 12 billion people will be living on earth and will require food. Farming insects should be taken more seriously as a way to consume healthy protein. This idea has become more popular as consumption patterns shift, and meat production concerns arise.

German Pesticides: An Inspirational Story

Refinitiv data highlights the story of a German business owner named Hans-Dietrich Reckhaus who gave up his pesticide business to protect insects. It wasn’t until two German conceptual artists explained the unethical nature of insect eradication that Reckkhaus learned about these issues with insects. This changed the entire trajectory of his business model, as he began using artists to convey a message to save the insects, going against everything a pesticide business stands for.

Through community engagement and a complete business remodel, Reckhaus demonstrated his commitment and passion for the cause. Without people like Reckhaus, minimal progress will be made on this issue.

Take Action

• Assess Your Corporate Supply Chain for Insect Decline Risk.

• Every Organization Needs a Nature Policy. 

• Create Green Spaces Friendly to Pollinators.

• Policy Makers and Government Need to Manage Insect Decline Risk from a Food Soveignty Perspective.