For
well over 400 million years, insects have played an
essential role in the evolution of our ecosystem.
While many may take them for granted, their extinction
could spell catastrophe for the planet at large.
Sadly, this scenario is currently playing out across the
globe.
'The
Silent Summer - Why Are Insects Dying?' explores our
dependence upon the insect population, the factors that
are leading to their rapid decline, and what their
extinction could mean for the future of our world as we
know it.
Insects constitute up to 80% of our planet's species.
They
pollinate many of our plants, trees and crops, keep our
soil well fertilized, and provide a primary source of
nourishment for other animals in the food chain.
If
the population was severely compromised or disappeared
altogether, our ecosystem and food chain would collapse.
Like
a wicked game of dominoes, one food chain after another
would perish from malnourishment - from birds to bears
to humans.
Plant life would die without hope of resurrection.
Our
ability to grow our own food would become untenable.
There are a number of factors that place our insect
populations in peril, including
The
film features insights from a variety of subjects who
are attempting to weed out the root causes of insect
extinction and uncover new solutions to combat it,
including experts in farming, agriculture, and
entomology.
The filmmakers visit a laboratory where scientists are
studying the long-term impact
of pesticides.
They
spend time with conservationists who are busy crafting
special habitats - a kind of insect-based Noah's Ark -
where insects can find refuge.
Farmers illustrate how the waning
bee population affects the
nutritional value of their crops.
At
every stop, we're reminded of the stakes involved, and
are urged to support bold initiatives that promote
increased biodiversity.
The
experts believe that we are destined to suffer a
'disastrous fate' unless we assume crisis mode right
now.
Produced by the DW Documentary series, 'The Silent
Summer - Why Are Insects Dying?' is an engaging and
informative work that's well worth checking out.
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