National Pollinator Week is almost here!
From June 18th – 24th, we promote the protection and education of the declining population of bees and other pollinators. Urbanization, global warming, and pollution continue to degrade the environment, actively harming the pollinators. Pollinators are essential to the functioning of our ecosystem, thus it is imperative that we advocate for their survival.
Approved by the US senate, this celebratory week highlights the vital role pollinators play in on our planet. These remarkable organisms are the backbone of our ecosystems, food supply and natural landscape.
As stated by Pollinator.org, between 75-95% of plants need pollination to survive and reproduce. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies service over 180,000 plant species and around 1200 crops consisting of fruits, nuts, vegetables, grains and more–this means that out one out of every three bites of food you eat is all thanks to pollinators. Pollinators also contribute to ? of the world?s oils, fibers and raw materials, they prevent erosion, and sequesters carbon which reduces the impact of global warming.
Not only do pollinators provide us with a steady, nutrient-filled food, they also play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Pollinators support clean air, healthy soil, protection from extreme weather, and serve as habitats for thousands of species (Pollinator.org).
The absence of these creatures will not only threaten the environment but humanity as a whole (Pollinator.org). Endangered habitats, climate change, misuse of chemicals all have disastrous effects on these creatures, thus, it is essential that we join together in protecting pollinators.
To learn more about the Pollinator Week movement and ways to take action, visit Pollinator.org. It is time to educate yourself and others. It is time to make a difference!
