Two out of every three animal species face threats as pests, yet their numbers are dwindling. They are not only endangered in cities but also across natural habitats. Global warming drives rising temperatures and water stress, pushing many ecosystems toward crisis. The scientific community speaks of a true ‘Apocalypse of Pollinators.’ Ecologistas en Acción notes that extinction rates hit eight times higher in mammals than in birds and reptiles, underscoring the urgency.
Beyond their rich biodiversity, pollinators contribute directly to agriculture. About seven in ten crops depend on pollinators to some extent. In Spain, experts estimate the economic value to be around 2.4 billion euros for rural areas alone, illustrating the strong link between pollinators and food security. The economic stakes are mirrored in North America where similar dependencies exist for crops like almonds, berries, and many fruits and vegetables.
Lockdowns during the pandemic, a rainy spring in 2020, reduced human activity, and pauses in some gardening or street maintenance created a temporary reprieve for dragonflies, wasps, grasshoppers, and crickets. Yet this relief proved fleeting as sanitary restrictions ended. The natural rhythms of these tiny creatures quickly faced renewed pressure from human activities and habitat change.
Conscious of their essential role in the food web, many municipalities are cutting back on fumigation in urban green spaces, allowing grasses to grow and natural habitats to thrive. Cities like Barcelona, Vigo, and Valencia have embraced this approach, a trend that has taken hold across numerous European cities and was met with some skepticism by critics.
Efforts to reduce light pollution at night also align with insect welfare. Some autonomous communities have introduced rules limiting light intensity, advertising signage, and certain habitats, all aimed at lowering the harmful effects of artificial illumination on insects by preserving natural cycles.
Half a million species at risk of extinction
Biologists warn that as many as one million species could vanish in the coming years, with about half of them being insects. This decline affects not only rare species but also common ones like ladybugs. Worldwide, around 40 percent of pollinating insects and roughly 9 percent of European bees face extinction due to human activities. The spread of invasive species further compounds the problem.
Recent assessments from Ecologistas en Acción emphasize that society often underestimates these assets, noting that only a small fraction are harmful. The message is clear: most pollinators are beneficial to ecosystems and agriculture, and their loss has broad consequences.
Insect populations are sensitive to climate change. Insects rely on temperature and humidity to regulate life cycles, as researchers at the Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology explain. A common response to warming is shifting habitats in space or time. When temperatures rise, many insects move to higher elevations or migrate farther, while flowering times shift, causing mismatches with the organisms that depend on them.
These shifts require genetic flexibility, a trait that does not scale up quickly for all species. Experts warn that not all insects will adapt to the rapid changes of recent years. Joaquin Baixeras of the Cavanilles Institute notes that with over a million known insect species, adaptation cannot be automatic, and many will struggle to cope with new conditions.
Climate change often intersects with other stressors such as light pollution and pesticide exposure. In Europe, 75 percent of insect species are considered endangered, and the decline has become a focal point of conservation efforts. The complex web of interactions among pollinators and plants means that protecting one group requires a broader strategy across ecosystems and land use.
Interview with Joaquin Baixeras of the Cavanilles Institute
Joaquin Baixeras, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology
Climate change compounds light pollution and pesticides
Pollinators play a direct and vital role in agriculture, enabling the reproduction of many crops and contributing to economic health. Yet restoring their fortunes cannot hinge on pollinators alone, because their networks are intricate and involve many species across different habitats. The loss of a nocturnal pollinator for a single flower can ripple through other pollinators and leave plants unpollinated during the day.
Insects as key intermediaries in the trophic chain
Experts highlight the wide ecological value of insects, explaining that many people still reach for products that harm them. Insects participate in numerous ecological relationships across terrestrial and aquatic systems. They are largely harmless or perform essential roles as pollinators or decomposers, recycling vast amounts of organic matter annually. Although human activity has altered landscapes, insects remain pervasive across ecosystems. The idea that all insects threaten humans is a simplification; the majority are neutral or beneficial in maintaining ecological balance.
The belief that insect conservation is a niche concern has faded. Today, there is broad consensus that insect populations are in decline and deserve attention. The broader question remains: can ecosystems recover if climate, pollution, and habitat loss are addressed together? The answer lies in a coordinated approach to biodiversity, agriculture, and urban planning.
In summary, pollinators are central to biodiversity and to food production. Protecting them requires recognizing their complex roles within natural networks and supporting policies that reduce harmful practices while promoting habitat restoration. The challenge is substantial, but preserving these tiny helpers is essential for resilient ecosystems and vibrant agriculture.