Global Pesticide Use Sparks Alarming Rise in Wildlife Harm
A disturbing new study has found that the use of pesticides worldwide is leading to a significant increase in harm to wildlife, with six key species groups being particularly vulnerable. The research, which analyzed data from 65 countries representing over 80% of the world's farmland, reveals a concerning trend of rising toxicity levels among insects, fish, pollinators, and land-based plants.
According to the study, insect populations have suffered the most significant decline, with applied toxicity increasing by an alarming 42.9% between 2013 and 2019. Soil organisms also faced significant harm, with toxicity rising by 30.8%. Aquatic plants and land-based vertebrates were the only two groups that showed a decrease in toxicity levels.
The study's findings come as world leaders had promised to halve the risks from pesticides by the end of this decade at a 2022 UN summit. However, the latest data suggests that this goal is unlikely to be met.
Researchers used a novel tool called total applied toxicity (TAT) to monitor progress toward the biodiversity pledge. The TAT framework factors in the different levels of harm caused by chemicals on various species, providing a comprehensive picture of pesticide use's impact on ecosystems.
The study's lead author, ecotoxicologist Jakob Wolfram, expressed concern over the trend, particularly in developing countries and regions with high biodiversity. "It should be a stark warning that applied toxicities are still increasing in many regions, particularly for species groups that serve vital ecological functions," he warned.
Notably, European countries and China have seen decreases in toxicity levels due to their phased-out of certain pesticides. However, much of Africa, India, the US, Brazil, and Russia have experienced significant increases in pesticide use, leading to rising toxicity levels.
Only Chile appears on track to meet the UN's target of reducing pesticide risk by 50% by 2030.
Wildlife toxicologist Mónica Martínez Haro described the study as "highly relevant and high-quality," but noted that the results may be underestimated due to limitations in the data. She emphasized the need for substantial measures to mitigate the effects of pesticides on ecosystems, including agricultural diversification, less intensive soil management, organic farming, and the switch to less toxic pesticides.
The alarming trend highlights the urgent need for global action to address the impact of pesticides on biodiversity. As pesticide use continues to rise globally, with over 4m tons applied annually, it is essential that policymakers prioritize ecosystem health and adopt more sustainable agricultural practices.
A disturbing new study has found that the use of pesticides worldwide is leading to a significant increase in harm to wildlife, with six key species groups being particularly vulnerable. The research, which analyzed data from 65 countries representing over 80% of the world's farmland, reveals a concerning trend of rising toxicity levels among insects, fish, pollinators, and land-based plants.
According to the study, insect populations have suffered the most significant decline, with applied toxicity increasing by an alarming 42.9% between 2013 and 2019. Soil organisms also faced significant harm, with toxicity rising by 30.8%. Aquatic plants and land-based vertebrates were the only two groups that showed a decrease in toxicity levels.
The study's findings come as world leaders had promised to halve the risks from pesticides by the end of this decade at a 2022 UN summit. However, the latest data suggests that this goal is unlikely to be met.
Researchers used a novel tool called total applied toxicity (TAT) to monitor progress toward the biodiversity pledge. The TAT framework factors in the different levels of harm caused by chemicals on various species, providing a comprehensive picture of pesticide use's impact on ecosystems.
The study's lead author, ecotoxicologist Jakob Wolfram, expressed concern over the trend, particularly in developing countries and regions with high biodiversity. "It should be a stark warning that applied toxicities are still increasing in many regions, particularly for species groups that serve vital ecological functions," he warned.
Notably, European countries and China have seen decreases in toxicity levels due to their phased-out of certain pesticides. However, much of Africa, India, the US, Brazil, and Russia have experienced significant increases in pesticide use, leading to rising toxicity levels.
Only Chile appears on track to meet the UN's target of reducing pesticide risk by 50% by 2030.
Wildlife toxicologist Mónica Martínez Haro described the study as "highly relevant and high-quality," but noted that the results may be underestimated due to limitations in the data. She emphasized the need for substantial measures to mitigate the effects of pesticides on ecosystems, including agricultural diversification, less intensive soil management, organic farming, and the switch to less toxic pesticides.
The alarming trend highlights the urgent need for global action to address the impact of pesticides on biodiversity. As pesticide use continues to rise globally, with over 4m tons applied annually, it is essential that policymakers prioritize ecosystem health and adopt more sustainable agricultural practices.
I think we need to rethink our approach to farming and agriculture ASAP. all this emphasis on efficiency and production is causing irreparable damage to our ecosystems. it's not just about the numbers, it's about the long-term consequences for our planet. we're talking about the food chain here - what happens when insects and other organisms that are essential for pollination and decomposition start to disappear? 
- can't believe we're still using so many toxic pesticides in agriculture 
, it's crazy how much harm they're causing to wildlife 
, insect populations are taking a huge hit with a 42.9% decline since 2013 
, soil organisms aren't far behind either 
. European countries and China are doing better by phasing out certain pesticides 
but it's not enough to save the day 
the fact that insect populations have declined by 42.9% in just 6 years is crazy 
and soil organisms are paying the price too 
what's really concerning is that developing countries and regions with high biodiversity are bearing the brunt of this toxic trend 
it's like we're expecting others to pick up the tab while we're still using these chemicals recklessly 
and support sustainable practices that actually work 
this new study is literally eye-opening... i mean who knew that using more pesticides would lead to a higher harm on wildlife? its like we're poisoning our own planet 
it needs to be a global effort to reduce pesticide use and prioritize ecosystem health...
It's like, have you seen some of those insect populations? They're basically already toast anyway 
. But still, 42.9% decline in a decade is pretty crazy 
. But on the other hand, European countries and China have seen some positive changes... maybe it's not all doom and gloom? 
. Insect populations are basically disappearing, and soil organisms are paying the price too 
.
. What's really concerning is that developing countries and regions with high biodiversity are being hit hardest 
. We need to take action, pronto! Less intensive farming practices, more organic options... the list goes on 
and supporting sustainable agriculture 
. We can't keep relying on chemical-laden pesticides that harm our planet in so many ways 
.
with their farmin practices. and it's not just insects dat are sufferin its like fish & pollinators too! 
we need to get our act together and switch to more sustainable farming practices ASAP 
no wonder some countries in africa and asia are taking a big hit from it 
if we wanna keep those pollinators buzzing and our ecosystems healthy 
. They might be using pesticides as part of their job, but it doesn't mean it's okay to use them if it's harming the environment. We need more sustainable farming practices, like organic farming or permaculture 
. Chile is the only country that's on track right now, and that's just one country out of so many 
.