The Killing of the Bees by jake

Problem: Colony Collapse Disorder

jakehoang — 2016-05-19 17:55:41 UTC

In recent years, the population of honey bees has drastically declined. In fact, in the past 10 years, beekeepers in the United States as well as Europe claimed to have lost 30% of beehives.

“In the long run, if we don’t find some answers, we could lose a lot of bees,”

THE RIGHT SOLUTION: A Set of Laws.

jakehoang — 2016-05-19 17:55:50 UTC

Our proposed solution to help the reemergence of bee population is to combat the most pressing problem, which is the excess use of pesticides and insecticides. The reduction of these pesticides, specifically the high toxicity coming from neonics, is one of the the few solutions humans are capable of controlling, yet the most detrimental. Specifically, targeting the industrial agriculture companies that use excessive amounts of these pesticide in order mass produce products in a faster time period. With the significant reduction of such products, this solution would save more than tens of thousands each year and help to return the bee population to its prime. Bringing an end to this crisis should be a primary concerns to Americans everywhere. Awareness is the first step to prevention. Prevention has now been spread, its time for Americans to take action. This solution can be successful. Despite how it will negatively effect the economy, the lives of people are much more important.

Cause: Industrial Agriculture: Pesticies and Insecticies.

jakehoang — 2016-05-19 17:56:00 UTC

Many factors affect the health of honeybee colonies, including deadly parasites, such as the varroa mite, as well as fungi and viruses. Habitat alteration and the availability of diverse food sources also affect bees, but the most pressing problem is the excessive use of pesticides and insecticides.

Effects: How it Harms Us All.

jakehoang — 2016-05-19 17:56:10 UTC

To much of a surprise, bees have an extreme effect on the animals of the world. The process of pollination, assists in the growth and development in plants that produce anything from strawberries to cabbage. The decline of population has led to a decline in the growth of these plants. To conclude, the decline of the bee population has resulted in an additional decrease in food supply.

Documentary: Silence of the Bees

jakehoang — 2016-05-19 18:00:30 UTC

Why is a Solution Needed?

jakehoang — 2016-05-19 18:05:32 UTC

Many people believed that pesticides were developed, the problem of all insects would be eliminated. Little did they know, that killing off bees could lead to an ecological crisis. If people do not take action concerning this ecological crisis, this could be very harmful. For example, according to the USDA, pollination by honey bees adds at LEAST 15 billion dollars to the value of U.S. agriculture. In addition to hurting the economy, the decline of bees also impacts food production. With a decrease in food production, this could lead to a decline in the populations of other animals as well. This exact same issue was present in Europe recently. They were able to solve the problem using this solution. If Europe could do it, why can't the United States?

Source

jakehoang — 2016-05-19 18:10:31 UTC

"ARS Honey Bee Health and Colony Collapse Disorder." ARS:USDA. United States Department of Agriculture, n.d. Web. 11 May 2016. <http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=15572>.
Wild, Alex. "Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder, In Context." Myrmecos. Myrmecos, 10 Mar. 2011. Web. 11 May 2016. <http://www.myrmecos.net/2011/03/10/honey-bee-colony-collapse-disorder-in-context/>.
Tren, Richard. "The Honeybees Are Just Fine." Wall Street Journal. Wall Street Journal, 16 July 2014. Web. 17 May 2016. <http://www.wsj.com/articles/neonicotinoids-and-honeybees-1405537270>.

Proof of the Crisis

jakehoang — 2016-05-19 18:13:07 UTC

jakehoang — 2016-05-19 18:23:33 UTC

reshmamenon_607 — 2016-05-19 18:27:38 UTC

reshmamenon_607 — 2016-05-19 18:33:15 UTC

"Wrong" Solution: Feed the Bees

jakehoang — 2016-05-23 18:14:20 UTC

In addition to declining the bee population, the excessive use of pesticides and insecticides proves to also be declining the food supply of the bees. Any hungry creature, including bees, tend to be more vulnerable and weak when hungry. Some have provided the solution that if we "feed the bees" then they will be strong enough to fight against pesticides. Not only does this go against the entire point of utilizing pesticides, but it also does not offer a assured solution. This proposed solution will only provide temporary help. However, our proposed solution will eliminate both the decline in bee population as well as the decline of the bee food supply.

A Second Failed Solution: Decline of Cell Phone Usage.

jakehoang — 2016-05-23 18:21:27 UTC

A second proposed solution to the declining bee populations was to limit cell phone usage. Many studies were done that proved that the cell phone vibrations from calling and texting interfered with the bee's signalling. This caused the bees to become confused and leave the hive, get lost, and begin to fly frantically till its death. The problem with these solutions was that is seemed impractical. In the 21st century, asking people to reduce their cell phone usage is nearly impossible and this could not have been successful. In addition, it should be noted that many pesticide companies were promoting such studies, as it would reduce the bad PR for these companies.

reshmamenon_607 — 2016-05-31 00:37:18 UTC

reshmamenon_607 — 2016-05-31 00:46:40 UTC