Honeybee deaths last summer exceeded winter deaths for the first time. (See Michael Wines, “A Sharp Spike in Honeybee Deaths Deepens a Worrisome Trend,” NYT, p. A11.) Commercial bee keepers expect some loss during the winter months. This is the first year that summer honeybee deaths exceeded winter deaths.
Scientist cite two factors. First, a deadly parasite, the varroa mite, has been spreading. Secondly, a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, now banned in Europe, seems to be a culprit. The pesticide Roundup is a neonicotinoid.
You can buy Roundup at your local hardware store. “Roundup Ready” soybeans and corn are increasingly planted in the U.S. I keep reading that GMO crops are safe, and they probably are, but when GMO crops are produced to enhance a specific pesticide produced by Monsanto, we have a problem, especially when that pesticide is killing honeybees.
There are some who think the Earth is hitting peak human. I think we are getting there.
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