Conservation and Biodiversity
Bee the Change the World Needs
May 17, 2023
Every year, World Bee Day is celebrated on May 20 to shed light on the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem. Pollinators include a variety of different animals — ranging from insects to birds and even some mammals — and play a crucial role in flower, plant, and food production.
Bees already face many stressors such as parasites, pesticides, disease and, now, climate change. Droughts and extreme rain are negatively affecting the bees’ foraging, meaning they can’t produce as much honey and aren’t fertilizing as they normally would. Other weather conditions such as wildfires and floods are destroying their homes and, as a result, affecting their food supply and causing the bees to starve to death. Climate change is severely impacting the lives of the bees, and has ramifications for more than just pollinators.
Bees are responsible for a huge part of our agriculture and supply and if we lose their help, we are at risk of having no wildlife, no greenery, and no food. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and key crops would be lost, causing global food insecurity and ultimately leading to no life. Bees pollinate approximately $15 billion worth of crops all around the United States and they also produce honey, which was valued as a $3.2 million industry in 2017. We must create a symbiotic relationship and show our appreciation on more than just one day a year.
So, what can you do? If you like to garden, look into plants suitable to your area based on the climate conditions and local pollinators. If activism is something you enjoy, you can email your representatives about putting a stop to harmful chemicals. You can also support your local farmers by buying raw honey, leaving a bowl of rocks with a layer of water out, or even sponsoring a beehive.
EARTHDAY.ORG’s Protect Our Species campaign challenges the public to get involved and take action to preserve our ecosystem. We offer information on how to create a pollinator-friendly world through toolkits, pledges, fun facts, and more! Something as easy as spreading the word can also be a great way to help your fellow bees. Keep learning more about what you can do to help the bees and share it with your friends and family.
Happy World Bee Day!
