Pesticides Believed to be Destroying the Bee Population in Europe Banned

Europe has recently banned the use of pesticides called neonicotinoids because of the suspected link between the decimation of the bee population and the use of these pesticides. This ban was proposed by the European Food Safety Authority in January of 2013 due to the suspicion that the pesticides were killing the bee population. Neonicotinoids are the most effective pesticides on the market. There is disagreement among many about whether these insecticides are or are not contributing to the declining bee population but some studies have shown that the chemical can work its way into pollen and nectar, giving rise to the suggestion that the chemicals can harm bees or insects. Further investigation into whether or not the pesticides were the problem went into effect after the EFSA made a warning. The two largest farming countries in Europe: France and Poland backed the decision to ban the pesticides. The selling of these pesticides across the globe totals 22 billion dollars. But the pesticides are not the only cause of death. The lack of nutrition, disease, viruses and loss of habitat are also culprits. According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, “71 percent of the crops that provide 90 percent of human food are pollinated by bees”. These crops bring in annually about 200 billion dollars. Without the use of commercial beekeeping these large farms would not be possible. This poses a potential economic problem for countries all over the world. Almond crops in California require the use of a third of all the domesticated bees in the United States for pollination. Starting December 1^st, 2013 Europe is restricting the use of clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiametoxam, three neonicotiniod pesticides. The restriction will last a total of three years and will allow time to re-investigate scientific studies to truly tell if there is a link between pesticides and the death of bees.

            This is a situation that should be further investigated because economies around the world are in danger as is agriculture, itself. Pesticides are widely used across the world to protect crops. Although they protect crops, their use may come at a huge cost. Alternatives need to be found to protect the environment around us to protect pollinators such as the bees as they are such an important part of providing food all around the world. 

Link:http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/30/business/global/30iht-eubees30.html?_r=1&