28/01/2026
Research suggests that the world has indeed seen a significant decline in insect biomass, with some studies indicating a 75% decline in flying insect biomass over 27 years in protected areas of Germany. A 2020 meta-analysis found that terrestrial insects are declining at a rate of about 9% per decade, while freshwater insects are increasing by 11% per decade.
The main drivers of this decline are habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and pesticide use. This is a big deal because insects play a crucial role in pollination, decomposition, and as a food source for other animals. Without them, ecosystems could collapse, affecting food production and biodiversity.
Some experts warn that we're facing an "insect apocalypse," but others caution that more data is needed to understand the global extent of the issue. Either way, it's clear that insect decline has serious implications for the environment and human societies.