Colony Collapse Disorder

The Queen of the Sun

Due to the dramatic decline in the bee population, farmers, governments, and beekeepers are now noticing why we need bees. Without bees pollinating and allowing our crops to prosper, our economy will ultimately fail. For instance, almonds, California’s largest crop, brings in a revenue of $3,897 per acre. If we did not have bees regularly visiting these crops, then California would not only lose money but its main export.  Aside from the economic impact, no one can deny the disappearance of bee colonies and yet people don’t seem to realize what this truly means. Bees have always taken care of us and this is their way of telling us we need to step it up. Unfortunately, people will not realize what they have until it’s  gone and until we suffer from some natural disaster causing us to lose bees all together, we cannot truly comprehend what colony collapse means.

Pesticide is a substance used for destroying insects or other organisms that threaten a crop. It is mainly sprayed over plants to kill insects that would otherwise consume the produce. However, by spraying this toxic chemical it is also destroying the insects that are designed to visit these plants and pollinate them. For example, as bees and butterflies move from flower to flower they are pollinating each individual to help them grow into voluptuous fruits and vegetables, without their help most rural countries would otherwise starve to death. This is an example of a non natural disaster that would cause people to realize the importance of our furry friends

Colony collapse disorder, a disorder defining the disappearance or death of bees, is a pressing issue that still remains to be recognized as a national problem. Bees in states all across America have been suffering from this, but their governments refuse to pass pesticide laws or to allow beekeeping permits easily accessible. As a result, we will lose or fresh fruits, vegetables, and all other American grown produce; causing us to turn the alternatives such as processed foods. This will inevitably increase the obesity rate all across America and making cardiovascular related deaths skyrocket. However, I would like to think that this catastrophic event would cause people to wake up and smell the unpollinated flowers but sadly I still believe that a natural disaster wiping out bees entirely would better their chance of the beeing recognize as a necessity.

Although colony collapse disorder is undeniable, people still do not understand the toll it will take humans in the long run. By using harsh chemical pesticides we not only destroy the nutritional value of California’s crops but we are contributing to the demise of the most under appreciated insect in the world. Ultimately, if we continue to treat bees in such a heinous manner we could lose them forever. However, we can help prevent this by fulfilling bees essential needs, such as flowers. By planting more flowers we not only create a better environment for ourselves but for the bees too. Since they play a key role in pollinating our fruits and vegetables, we can give back by providing them with a catering service. But in this kitchen all you need is soil, water, and a seed. Hopefully, by completing these task we will be able to save our bees.