Very disappointing article in the Economist. Their journalism is usually quite sound, but not this time. The very conservative bend is clearly present.
The article summarizes as: there are a number of studies from specific geographies (Germany, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, etc) that show very dramatic declines (> 50%) of insect populations over the last few decades. Since there is no data for most other countries, we should not react for now until more studies are done.
In the general case, when there is insufficient data, such an attitude can be seen as rational. But not when the data are so severe, and time is clearly running out. It is time for action, not for more business as usual.
Ugh. I hope future generations will be around to forgive us for screwing up the planet.
The article summarizes as: there are a number of studies from specific geographies (Germany, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, etc) that show very dramatic declines (> 50%) of insect populations over the last few decades. Since there is no data for most other countries, we should not react for now until more studies are done.
In the general case, when there is insufficient data, such an attitude can be seen as rational. But not when the data are so severe, and time is clearly running out. It is time for action, not for more business as usual.
Ugh. I hope future generations will be around to forgive us for screwing up the planet.