mass extinction looms as the ecosystem is passing through difficult times. Insects are disappearing at a fast rate and they are the binding agents to ensure the survival of life. A global scientific review of this situation has cautioned that the population is declining and could go extinct in a few decades.

That will have serious repercussions and lead to a biodiversity crisis that could be more devastating compared to Climate change. Scientists consider this the beginning of the earth's sixth mass extinction event. It is happening via biological annihilation and needs immediate attention.

Whether we like it or not, the fact remains spiders, butterflies, bees, praying mantis', and other insects are an integral part of our lives.

New Zealand Herald quotes the study that mentions population extinction of insects are a prelude to species extinctions. Many species face dwindling numbers, which is already damaging the ecosystems vital for survival. This is also proof that Earth's sixth mass extinction episode has become a matter of concern.

Loss of insects spell doom

The study notes nearly 98 per cent of ground insects have disappeared in the Puerto Rican rainforest in 35 years.

It seems more than 40 per cent of insect species are declining and a third fall in the list of endangered species. One of the main reasons is the extensive use of pesticides and it is up to us to shift our focus to alternatives instead of relying on harmful chemicals. There must be realization that ecosystems depend on insects to maintain the balance.

They pollinate plants and crops, recycle waste into nutrients and are themselves a source of food for others.

New Zealand Herald says there are efforts to save animals like snow leopards or rhinos, and it is equally important to save insects.

On top of the list is to identify chemical-free ways of controlling insects in your surroundings. Promote the use of natural fertilizers and netting. Encourage natural predators like spiders, ladybirds, praying mantis, lacewings and assassin bugs and plant native trees that flower year-round. Another option is to bring back water features to encourage water beetles and water bugs. These could be in the form of ponds and fountains where the body of water is always on the move and not stationary because that will breed mosquitoes.

Protect insects to save humanity

According to Business Insider, the environmentalists are more worried about saving wolves, sea turtles, and white rhinos but are not much bothered about saving insects.

They are apparently ignorant of the fact that loss of insects is a dire threat to humanity, it could trigger a "catastrophic collapse of Earth's ecosystems." The study has gone into multiple historical reports on insect declines around the world and concluded that the total mass of all insects on the planets is decreasing by 2.5% every year. Unless this is checked, there might be a situation where insects will cease to exist by 2119.

In the opinion of researchers, this decline in global biodiversity is the "sixth extinction." There have been mass extinctions in the past attributed to events like the emergence of ice ages or asteroid collisions. However, the current mass extinction is manmade because of deforestation, mining, and CO2 emissions that contribute to global warming.
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