why insects declining
INTD 218: Insects and People, Spring Module I 2021
Why Insects are Declining?
The number of insects is decreasing at such a dangerous rate that if nothing is done to stop the
decline, our own future could be at risk. More than 40% of insect populations are in decline, as
much as a third of species are endangered and the data suggests that the rates of decline are at
least 2.5% per year. At these rates, more than a quarter of the insects could be wiped out
within a decade. Urgent action is required.
The documentary film, The great death of insects, examines the factors that threaten the
populations and species of insects in Europe, but these also true everywhere. As you watch,
take careful notes and think about the issues examined in the documentary. Then, answer the
following two questions based on what you learn from watching the this documentary film.
Your answers should be brief and to the point, and must not exceed 300 words.
1. Based on this documentary, what are the main threats to populations and species of
insects? Please identify at least four factors and explain each very briefly.
2. Some people have questioned the idea of large-scale insect declines. They argue that this
seems of be a problem only in Europe. You can read some of the arguments here, in a news
article published at the “The Conversation1”. Based on what you learned from the
documentary, do you think this argument is a reasonable one? Explain your answer.
Upload you answer at the link provided on Moodle as a WORD or RTF document. No pdfs!
Make sure that your name is part of the filename that you upload on Moodle.
end.
1 Insect apocalypse? Not so fast, at least in North America. https://theconversation.com/insect-apocalypse-not-so-
fast-at-least-in-north-america-141107
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CidaOP7PA-o
https://theconversation.com/insect-apocalypse-not-so-fast-at-least-in-north-america-141107
https://theconversation.com/insect-apocalypse-not-so-fast-at-least-in-north-america-141107
https://theconversation.com/insect-apocalypse-not-so-fast-at-least-in-north-america-141107
https://theconversation.com/insect-apocalypse-not-so-fast-at-least-in-north-america-141107