Our Backyard Warriors
By: Nandana A
Age: 13
Atlanta, GA USA
By: Nandana A
Age: 13
Atlanta, GA USA
Nature is something that is an inherent part of all our lives. By 2050, more than 2/3 of humanity is predicted to live in urban areas, which would significantly change our interactions with nature. 87% of all plant species are pollinated by animals, and these crops account for about 35% of global food production. Nature provides services worth more than $125 trillion each year, and these assistances form the bedrock of our economy. Even the smallest animal or plant does so much for us. Read more...
Let’s take a single bee. A bee is a pollinator, that is one of over 200,000 species, including butterflies, moths, wasps, and beetles. Pollinators account for 75% of global crops, and add to the yields of many leading crops such as apples, almonds, and oilseeds. Because of pollinators, we get an extra $235-577 billion in crops. This single bee has significantly changed global food production. So why are we seeing less and less of these incredibly helpful insects? Changing land is one of the biggest reasons why pollinator numbers are decreasing, but other key factors include the changing climate, invasive species, and emerging diseases and pathogens.
So what can we do about these little critters that have given us so much, our very own eco-warriors? If we forget about these creatures, we’re essentially ignoring the very foundation of our economy, nutrition, ecosystems, and so much more. So just take 20 minutes a day. Grow pollinator-friendly flowers, provide water and habitat for our bees and butterflies. Don’t use harmful chemicals and pesticides that kill our backyard wildlife. Raise awareness for dying species, and talk to local lawmakers or politicians about what you can do. 20 minutes can make or break your very own backyard ecosystem.
Bibliography:
"Living Planet Report 2018." World Wildlife Fund. N. p., 2019. Web. 23 June 2019.
Let’s take a single bee. A bee is a pollinator, that is one of over 200,000 species, including butterflies, moths, wasps, and beetles. Pollinators account for 75% of global crops, and add to the yields of many leading crops such as apples, almonds, and oilseeds. Because of pollinators, we get an extra $235-577 billion in crops. This single bee has significantly changed global food production. So why are we seeing less and less of these incredibly helpful insects? Changing land is one of the biggest reasons why pollinator numbers are decreasing, but other key factors include the changing climate, invasive species, and emerging diseases and pathogens.
So what can we do about these little critters that have given us so much, our very own eco-warriors? If we forget about these creatures, we’re essentially ignoring the very foundation of our economy, nutrition, ecosystems, and so much more. So just take 20 minutes a day. Grow pollinator-friendly flowers, provide water and habitat for our bees and butterflies. Don’t use harmful chemicals and pesticides that kill our backyard wildlife. Raise awareness for dying species, and talk to local lawmakers or politicians about what you can do. 20 minutes can make or break your very own backyard ecosystem.
Bibliography:
"Living Planet Report 2018." World Wildlife Fund. N. p., 2019. Web. 23 June 2019.
Editors notes:
Resources To Explore:
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Resources To Explore:
- Pollinators Under Pressure ( movie - 12 min): Watch Short Film narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. Find out what will permanently disappear from the grocery stores and our menus if we didn't have pollinators!
- Learn more - Honeybees Edition (Winter 2014 Edition)
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