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by ExoticPearTree 899 days ago
The real danger I think is in the decrease of insect population. Anecdotally, 15-20 years ago, a longer trip throughout the country (2-400km) the windshield would be littered with dead insects, now very very few insects hit the windshield.

Is there a study about the effects of decreased pollination?

2 comments

> The real danger I think is in the decrease of insect population.

That is certainly one of the most important issues. However, habitat loss is even more critical (not only but also because it also decreases insect numbers).

> Is there a study about the effects of decreased pollination?

Pollination and other ecosystem services have been heavily studied in the last decade. Putting precise numbers on it is tricky though, because there are so many context-specific factors that play a role. However, this is one important global study that shows a clear effect of pollination on yield: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax0121

I used to think the same thing until I started riding a motorcycle. I quickly came to the realization that the primary reason I was seeing less insects on my windshield was because of improved aerodynamics.

I am sure that there has also been a major decline in insect population as well though contributing to it.