The Great Insect-massacre

Preventing a

silent spring

Recent studies show that we are in the middle of a massive species extinction. Bees, bumble- bees and beetles are dying on our doorstep – and birds, frogs and many other species are disappearing with them.

What we are losing with these insects is not just the foundation of an intact ecosystem; the extinction of pollinators puts the food supply of countless people in jeopardy.

Why do we need insects? Is their disappea- rance just a caprice of nature? Who or what is responsible for it? The insect researcher Andreas Segerer explains the interrelation-ships and identifies what needs to happennow. Eva Rosenkranz supplies plenty of prac- tical tips, as everyone can do something to stop the world falling silent – whether by having an insect-friendly garden or through engagement in our own environment, for example by helping to establish species-rich public green spaces.