1 in 5 European Wild Bee Species at Risk of Extinction

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

Today, we delve into a critical issue that strikes at the very heart of biodiversity and environmental conservation in Europe. A recent report has revealed that over 20% of wild bee species across the continent, including essential pollinators like bumblebees and cellophane bees, are facing the grim threat of extinction. This alarming statistic, which highlights the escalating plight of our pollinators, coincides with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) unveiling its latest Red List, an authoritative global assessment of species’ extinction risks.

According to the IUCN’s findings, nearly 100 new species have been added to the list of those at risk, indicating a disturbing trend in the decline of biodiversity. The report also noted an approximate 75% increase in the number of threatened butterfly species in the last decade. Such statistics underscore the urgent need for immediate action to prevent a further decline in these vital species.

The IUCN Red List serves as a crucial tool for policymakers worldwide, guiding legislative efforts aimed at safeguarding our planet’s natural heritage. It is particularly timely as the IUCN congress unfolds in Abu Dhabi, a prominent gathering of conservation experts, policymakers, and global leaders dedicated to addressing the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

This year’s congress, running until October 15, comes at a pivotal moment for the European Union, which is under increasing pressure to relax its environmental regulations. Proposals to roll back significant green laws, including the recently adopted anti-deforestation regulation and the nature restoration law, are gaining traction among business interests and farming associations. These laws, designed to protect our ecosystems, are now at risk of being weakened, just as we are beginning to grasp the magnitude of the threats facing our natural world.

Fifteen species of bumblebees, renowned for their role in pollinating essential crops such as legumes, have been classified as threatened. Perhaps most concerning is the mining bee species, unique to Europe, which is now categorised as critically endangered. The decline of these species serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and the vital roles these insects play in food production and ecological balance.

Habitat loss remains the primary threat to European wild bees and butterflies, exacerbated by the intensification of agriculture and forestry practices. The IUCN’s latest global assessment revealed that over half of all bird species are also in decline, with deforestation being a key driver of this troubling trend. The loss of habitats not only endangers bee populations but disrupts entire ecosystems, leading to detrimental consequences for biodiversity as a whole.

In a statement regarding the IUCN report, Director General Grethel Aguilar emphasised the importance of this European-level assessment in driving urgent conservation action. It provides essential data to guide recovery efforts and supports European nations in meeting the targets outlined in the Global Biodiversity Framework. This framework aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, a goal that now feels more pressing than ever.

The European Commission, which serves as the EU’s executive arm, is currently drafting legislation to amend certain environmental laws perceived as overly burdensome for businesses. This effort is being met with robust lobbying from agricultural and landowner associations advocating for the reduction of protections enshrined in the anti-deforestation regulation and the nature restoration law.

Moreover, the timing of the IUCN report is critical, as it follows the Commission’s recent proposal to alter the EU’s seven-year budget framework. This new budget plan notably eliminates dedicated funding for biodiversity initiatives, raising further concerns about the EU’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

As we navigate these challenging waters, it is essential for us, as conscious citizens and advocates for the planet, to voice our concerns and push for stronger protections for our wildlife. The decline of bee populations and other pollinators not only threatens biodiversity but also jeopardises food security and the overall health of our ecosystems.

In conclusion, the fate of European wild bees and butterflies hangs in the balance, and it is incumbent upon us to advocate for their preservation. In a world increasingly shaped by human activity, we have the power to enact change through informed decisions and active participation in conservation efforts. As the IUCN congress progresses, let us hope that the discussions lead to meaningful commitments and actions towards safeguarding our planet’s invaluable biodiversity.

Stay informed, stay engaged, and let us work together to champion the cause of net zero and the protection of our precious ecosystems.