Insects are among the most successful creatures on the planet. But they’re in decline and that would have serious consequences for the world. Entomologist Josef Settele talks to DW about stopping the insect die-off.
Creepy-crawlies are among the oldest life forms on this planet. Before dinosaurs ever walked the Earth, insects were certainly already there. Some estimates date their origins to 400 million years ago. They’re also extremely successful. Of the 7-8 million species documented on Earth, around three quarters are likely bugs.
But several insect species could disappear for good in the next few decades and that would have serious consequences for humans.
Read more: How to stop an insect apocalypse
Insects like bees, butterflies and even certain species of beetle and ant incidentally pollinate our crops when they collect protein-rich pollen and sugary nectar, ensuring we have enough to eat.
DW spoke to Josef Settele, a professor and entomologist at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in the eastern German city of Halle, about whether we need to worry about our food and how politics and business could intervene to halt the insect decline.
A Small Blue Marble 
The insect die-out is so very alarming and very worrisome!
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