In an interdisciplinary study at Harvard University, the effects of insect mortality on humans have been shown for the first time.
Due to the global decline of wild pollinators, most crops are insufficiently pollinated. More than two-thirds of crops rely on insect pollination – from coffee to fruits and vegetables. Insect mortality hampers the production of these foods, which become more expensive and unaffordable for many people as a result.
When healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and nuts are no longer consumed, this leads to more strokes, tumours, heart disease and diabetes in the long run. According to this study, the loss of pollinators already causes about 430,000 premature deaths per year worldwide and costs billions of dollars.
Food Consumption, and Consequences for Human Health: A Modelling Study
SZ article by Thomas Krumenacker: Fewer insects, worse food
