ANIMAL
PETITIONS

Bees are indispensable for our survival and the health of our ecosystems. These remarkable insects pollinate over 75% of flowering plants and crops, playing a crucial role in producing one-third of the food we consume globally. Without bees, we would face disastrous consequences for agriculture, food security, and biodiversity.

However, the last decade has been catastrophic for insect populations worldwide, with bees bearing a disproportionate burden. In the UK alone, honeybee populations have plummeted by a staggering 33% between 1985 and 2005, according to a study by the University of Reading. This alarming decline is part of a broader pattern, with some species of wild bees experiencing population drops of up to 98% in certain regions.

One of the primary drivers of this crisis is the widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which are highly toxic to bees and other pollinators. Numerous scientific studies have linked neonicotinoids to a range of adverse effects in bees, including impaired navigation and foraging abilities, reduced fertility, and increased susceptibility to diseases and parasites.

In recognition of the grave threat posed by these chemicals, the European Union took a decisive step in 2018 by implementing a comprehensive ban on the outdoor use of three neonicotinoid pesticides: clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam.

Alarmingly, the UK government has recently approved the emergency use of these banned neonicotinoids, potentially undoing years of progress and exposing already vulnerable bee populations to further harm. This decision not only jeopardizes the survival of these essential pollinators but also puts our entire food system at risk.

The economic impact of declining bee populations is staggering. According to a study by the University of Reading, the value of pollination services provided by bees in the UK alone is estimated to be over £690 million per year. Globally, the annual value of pollination services provided by bees is estimated to be around $170 billion.

We cannot afford to ignore the plight of bees any longer. Their well-being is inextricably linked to our own, and their decline is a harbinger of the broader biodiversity crisis that our planet is facing.

We call on the UK government to reverse its decision and reinstate the ban on neonicotinoid pesticides. Furthermore, we urge policymakers around the world to prioritize the protection of bees and other pollinators by implementing stringent regulations on the use of harmful pesticides and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that support biodiversity.

Join us in demanding action to safeguard the future of bees and the ecosystems they sustain. Sign this petition and raise your voice in support of these invaluable pollinators, whose survival is crucial for the well-being of our planet and generations to come.

Together, we can create a world where bees can thrive, and where our food systems and natural environments are resilient and flourishing.