Contributed to halting the significant insect mortality spree, Germany?
Within three decades, the population of insects in Germany has reduced by an staggering 75%. This startling revelation caused a global uproar in 2017. However, things haven't shown any improvement for these six-legged creatures in Germany - on the contrary.
The alarm bell from Krefeld was heard globally. The New York Times even reported on the severe insect decline in Germany, with some scholars warning of an "insect apocalypse". While this may seem dramatic, it was no exaggeration considering the findings indicating a 75% decrease in the insect population within 30 years.
The researchers' report sparked a widespread uproar and a strong motivation to act. In the 2018 coalition agreement, the SPD and Union pledged to take substantial measures to combat the insect decline. Headlines like "Bee King Markus Söder" were common at the time, referring to the Bavarian Minister President's efforts to protect insects. However, the outcry over the dwindling insect population has largely subsided, and the topics of species and nature conservation have grown quieter. But what actions have been taken to combat the insect decline?
"Significant progress has been made in two key areas," says Christoph Scherber in an interview with ntv.de. The head of the Center for Biodiversity Monitoring at the Leibniz Institute highlights increased research funding and the Insect Protection Act, which came into effect in 2022. The grand coalition brought the law to the forefront in the final stage of its term, and it was enacted in 2022. The bill primarily focused on expanding protected areas, but it also prohibited plant protection products in these regions. Additionally, the law laid the groundwork for combating insect decline due to light pollution.
Robust Commitments
"And thanks to extensive funding programs, critical research could finally be undertaken," Scherber adds. The Center for Biodiversity Monitoring, for example, is exploring alternatives to plant protection in agriculture. Expected results are due in the near future, which will generate further discussion on the topic.
The breakthrough in species protection commitments occurred at the end of 2022, during the UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal. The states agreed on the largest nature conservation agreement in history. By 2030, at least 30% of land and water areas must be protected, which is a crucial step in halting the loss of species and ecosystems. Additionally, industrialized countries pledged to contribute at least $20 billion to poorer countries in the global south for nature conservation financing.
The EU followed suit in June 2021. The EU Restoration Act was passed, deciding for the first time to restore damaged ecosystems. By 2030, member states must restore at least 30% of damaged areas on land and water. They have the flexibility to decide how to accomplish this, whether it be rewetting peatlands, planting trees in cities, or restoring rivers to their natural state.
The confessions demonstrate that the world is acutely aware of the catastrophic consequences of species extinction. If the trend cannot be stopped, the consequences would be devastating. "The importance of biodiversity protection surpasses climate protection," explains science journalist Dirk Steffens in an interview with ntv.de. "Because the climate crisis challenges how we live, but the species extinction, if it happens, will question our very existence." Humans could survive without a single glacier on Earth, but not without biodiversity. "The air we breathe is generated through photosynthesis, the water we drink is purified by microorganisms, and our food depends on them," Steffens explains. Thus, the World Biodiversity Council's warning carries grave implications. The Council estimates that around one million species may be extinct by the end of the century. "And if that happens," warns Steffens, "we humans may also cease to exist."
It becomes clear that a functional ecosystem cannot exist without biodiversity. Insects have a vital role in this, as they are at the base of the food chain. Their disappearance would have fatal consequences for all the creatures that follow, such as birds or amphibians. The food supply for humans would become sparse if there were no insects to pollinate plants.
The State Remains "Alarming"
Despite progress, the situation remains "alarming" according to biodiversity researcher Scherber. "Much has been done, but much more needs to take place," he states frankly. The current state of insect biodiversity in Germany is still "alarming". There are no indications that the situation has improved or that recovery is imminent. On the contrary, the red lists are showing more and more endangered species.
Scherber isn't shocked by the current situation. The groundwork for today's precarious state was set way back and hardly altered: land planning. "A ton of stuff went down the drain there," Scherber remarks. Land consolidation initiatives from the 70s are a prime example. These measures aimed to enhance agriculture and forestry productivity and conditions by combining small farms, levelling uneven terrain, and eliminating hedges or forests. Simultaneously, agriculture became more intense and land utilization increased. "Insects' lifelines slowly faded away over time." Eventually, rare species had no place to exist in these empty spaces.
Municipalities hold the accountability
The alarming progress has been known for a while, not just due to Krefeld researchers revealing specific data. "Since the 70s, numerous studies have shown biodiversity decline," remarks Scherber. "Krefeld's study is just the tip of the iceberg." The massive species extinction stems from several factors. Scherber highlights altered climate, light pollution, pesticides, and nitrogen overload in agriculture. However, land usage remains the primary influencer.
This likely won't result in a significant change, Scherber adds. Instead, the landscape needs to be restructured. Primarily, local planning authorities in municipalities should become active. They would need to identify unused land areas belonging to the municipality and replan them. "For instance, edge strips, boundary surfaces, or hedges should be reintroduced in the landscape wherever fields or hedges have been removed." Agricultural areas or forests directly bordering roads or waters lack the necessary transition habitat for several insects. Ultimately, the battle against species extinction will be primarily decided at the municipal level.
Climate expert Hans-Otto Pörtner also advocates for better spatial planning. "Unilateral compensation measures are no longer adequate if we aim to end the climate and biodiversity crisis," Pörtner told "Die Zeit". However, the challenge lies in the fact that many municipalities lack an understanding of the importance of species protection, often prioritizing short-term economic interests over long-term conservation.
Reversal steps
Germany appears as remote as ever from implementing necessary measures, much like in the past. Regularly, nature and species protection are pushed down the political agenda. In response to European farmers' protests, EU agriculture ministers loosened environmental requirements in the Common EU Agricultural Policy at the end of March. Initially, the European Parliament had rejected a bill that would have curtailed pesticide use in agriculture. The EU Natura 2000 Act was passed but in a drastically revised version after criticism from Christian Democrats and farmers' associations. As of yet, there are still no concrete implementation plans for the Montreal Protocol at the federal level.
Scherber's optimism in combating species extinction lies less in politics. "I don't think we should wait for politics," he says. Rather, change can be initiated through influence at work or personal gardens, the expert suggests. "Society should lead, and politics will follow." One thing is indisputable: The noise surrounding the Krefeld study may have quieted down, but insect extinction in Germany persists.
While efforts have been made to combat insect decline, as noted by Christoph Scherber, the situation remains "alarming" for biodiversity researchers. The implementation of policies such as the Insect Protection Act and increased research funding are commendable, but more action is needed. For instance, better land planning at the municipal level could help reintroduce necessary habitats for insects and prevent their further decline. Education plays a crucial role in this process, as raising public awareness about the importance of insects and the consequences of their extinction can inspire individuals to take action in their communities.
