If the bees go extinct, the whole humanity could collapse. This is the premise that scientists and ecologists have been upholding for decades to illustrate the extent to which the disappearance of a species can cause cascading damage throughout the ecosystem. The case of bees, according to experts, is one of the most paradigmatic. If the presence of these pollinators falls, they also endanger the 70% of the crops that, today, feed 90% of the global population.
A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that almost 80% of the world’s crops that produce fruit or seeds for human use depend, at least in part, on pollinators. . Bees also stand out as a key element for maintain ecological balance on which they depend 84% of plant species of the planet. If these animals decrease (or disappear) not only the production of food for humans is in danger, but also the survival of species of vegetables and plants on which other animals depend.
In a world without beesfor example, we would not have apples, citrus fruits, kiwis, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and almonds, as well as several species of tubers and vegetables. There are also several studies that warn that an eventual disappearance of bees could wipe them off the face of the planet. delicacies such as coffee or chocolate.
bees in danger
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For years scientists, ecologists and beekeepers have warned of a decrease in the number of bees in the world. The climate crisis, the loss of ecosystems and the increase in pests are drastically reducing the populations of these insects. Spain was, until now, one of the few countries in Europe where this phenomenon had not yet been observed. But after a few months especially marked by climatic extremes, experts warn that this could be the first year since there are records that Spain loses bees.
In Europe, it is estimated that there are currently more than 800 species of wild bees. According to the latest classification by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently a hundred wild species that are considered threatened, fifty more that cross the threshold of danger and twenty are classified as vulnerable species. There are also seven are classified as critically endangered species. These last could disappear imminently if nothing is done to preserve its ecosystem.