US honeybees suffer second deadliest season on record

As spring approaches, we’re reminded of the importance of bees and other pollinators in our ecosystem. However, recent data shows that honeybees in the United States are experiencing their second deadliest season on record. This news caught our attention, as bees play a critical role in our food supply chain and our overall planet health.

According to the Bee Informed Partnership’s annual survey, nearly 44% of honeybee colonies died between April 2020 and April 2021. This is an increase of 6% from the previous year and the second-highest loss rate recorded in the past 15 years. While the data does not provide a clear explanation for the decline, several factors such as parasites, pesticides, and habitat loss have contributed to the decrease in bee populations.

Honeybees are the primary pollinators for many of the world’s crops, including almonds, apples, and blueberries. Without bees, we risk losing an estimated $15-18 billion in US agricultural crops annually. Beyond the economic impact, bees are crucial for the overall health of our ecosystems. Through pollination, bees help to maintain genetic diversity, enabling plants to respond to environmental stresses such as climate change.

The consequences of a declining bee population have far-reaching effects. While there is no one solution to improve their survival rates, reducing the use of harmful pesticides and increasing land preservation efforts can help to protect these vital creatures. It is clear that we need to prioritize the health and well-being of bees if we want to maintain a healthy planet for ourselves and future generations.