Blog

Understanding the Insect Apocalypse

}

Aug 2, 2019

*This is part of a summer blog series written by an anonymous member of our alumni community. The opinions expressed here are independent of GREEN Program and do not necessarily represent the views of our organization.* 

Remember when Hopper was terrorizing Flik and the rest of the Colony? Remember how bad you felt for Flik? That poor entrepreneurial Ant googly eyed for Elaine Benes. 

cjz46sr5q04fmwwi5obd8ge9y giphy 1

Those were the days. All the ants had to worry about was were grasshoppers and not chemical warfare from tall humans (apparently the insects weren’t invited to the Geneva Convention). 

Insect Apocalypse


48. That’s how many more toxic pesticides have been added in the last 25 years in the US. Good for plant health and longevity, but not so good for our little friends. This surplus of toxicity isn’t because the plants finally discovered Brittany Spears’ In The Zone album. It is because of the controversial super-pesticides being used. 

These groups of pesticides are called Neonicotinoids. Neonics are used in a ton of plants from soybeans to apples to rice. This group of pesticides are a super protectant for the plants and increase crop yield which in turn creates more money (money, in my opinion, is the biggest adversary to climate action practices, and this is a tangent I will not go on right now). 

These pesticides have been contributing to the dwindling population of bees since Bee-Jerry Seinfeld was laying sweet pickup lines on humans:

However, ~science~ has shown that we don’t actually need these strong pesticides. There are other ways we can keep plants safe without taking out the whole species of bees, like agroecological farming methods (combinations of diversification of crops, conservation tillage, green manures, natural fertilisers and nitrogen fixation, biological pest control, rainwater harvesting). 

We all know what happens when the bees stop doing their work, right.  Well that is the fate we are moving towards unless action is taken. Look at our brothers and sisters across the pond. They banned neonicotinoids in April of last year. Save the bugs, baby!

cjz476hy504pnwji5nco5zc7j tenor

Also, let me be the first to say bugs are a pain in my ass. My apartment is riddled with house flies and fruit flies that LOVE to buzz the tower at their will. Infuriating. Gut reaction: get rid of them all. 

Cooler heads prevail and my brain realizes we need them. Some bugs stink, but most of them serve their purpose on the food chain and in the pollination game. As long as this isn’t one big simulation, we need all of these natural processers to continue to chug along like good little processers they are. 

Read Another Article

Honoring Kate Slattery & Highlighting the Shine On Scholarship for Women’s History Month

Honoring Kate Slattery & Highlighting the Shine On Scholarship for Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, The GREEN Program is happy to highlight Kate Slattery – a mechanical engineer and photovoltaic designer for SolarCity who challenged herself and others to work toward a global mission of renewable energy and sustainability. We are honored to work with Kate’s family and GivePower to share Kate’s story and provide the Shine On Scholarship to TGP students in memory of Kate. 

read more
How an Online Sustainability Program Helped Jaedyn Medrano Become an Intersectional Sustainability Advocate

How an Online Sustainability Program Helped Jaedyn Medrano Become an Intersectional Sustainability Advocate

This blog features the virtual Nepal Ethics of Sustainable Development Alum, Jaedyn Medrano who says, “this program taught me how to think about a project holistically, and it has guided me along the path to being a better cultured and inclusive young professional.” She is set to graduate with a double major in Renewable Natural Resources & Ecological Restorations in December of 2022.

read more
Defending Reproductive Rights in the Battle for Climate Justice

Defending Reproductive Rights in the Battle for Climate Justice

Reproductive Justice is Climate Justice. The GREEN Program stands to defend the reproductive rights of all women and people who give birth to access safe reproductive health care. We must do more to educate others and understand the interconnection between Reproductive Justice and the Climate Crisis. It’s important to draw the connections between climate change, pollution, and reproductive rights.

read more
An International Graduate Student Embraces Nepali Culture by Studying Abroad through Shine On Scholarship

An International Graduate Student Embraces Nepali Culture by Studying Abroad through Shine On Scholarship

On one hand, I believe that every student should be given a chance to study abroad at least once in their life, because it teaches us things that textbooks cannot: adaptability, resilience, curiosity, empathy, just to name a few. Whether good or bad, bursting our bubble and learning about our world will inspire us and open our minds. On the other hand, the people we interact with benefit from the diversity, because all of us bring unique perspectives to the table. Perhaps we share an idea that no one has thought of but could be key to solving a problem; we fuel the aspirations of someone who is facing similar difficulties; or help take down stereotypes.  

read more
Remembering Juneteenth and the Fight for Environmental Justice

Remembering Juneteenth and the Fight for Environmental Justice

n June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. It is on this day every year since that we celebrate “Juneteenth” as the end of slavery in the United States. It is a day that we celebrate ancestors and leaders who fought to be liberated. We celebrate their power, resiliency, and tenacity. 

read more
LGBTQ+ Leaders and Organizations in Sustainability to Know About this Pride Month

LGBTQ+ Leaders and Organizations in Sustainability to Know About this Pride Month

The GREEN Program loves to celebrate love, and there is no better way to do that this month than by recognizing a few LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations that are making a difference not just in their own communities but for our planet altogether. Read below to learn more about some people and spaces that are working together to promote a better world that focuses on inclusion and equality.

read more
Meet 8 AAPI Leaders in Sustainability: Across the Globe and At Home

Meet 8 AAPI Leaders in Sustainability: Across the Globe and At Home

The month of May is known to many as the end of classes and the start of Summer, but May is also known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Our team at TGP wanted to take a moment to recognize the contributions and influence of AAPI Americans throughout history, culture, and achievements both on a global scale, and from those who are a bit close to home. We also encourage you to learn more about AAPI Heritage Month and get involved through additional resources.

read more
From a Start Up to a Sustainability Study Abroad Program: How Patrick Applied his Passion for Renewable Energy in Iceland

From a Start Up to a Sustainability Study Abroad Program: How Patrick Applied his Passion for Renewable Energy in Iceland

When Fall 2021 rolled around and I saw the TGP scholarship opportunity, I thought I’d apply not expecting much. When I found out that I actually got it, I was like “I guess I’m actually doing this!”. I was a little nervous and anxious but also so excited for the opportunity! I was also grateful that the enrollment process was very smooth for me with no significant challenges along the way.

read more
Boston University Student Gains a Unique Perspective for Renewable Energy & Sustainability by Studying Abroad in Iceland

Boston University Student Gains a Unique Perspective for Renewable Energy & Sustainability by Studying Abroad in Iceland

Global experiences have definitely shaped me into the person I am today through increased cultural awareness and sensitivity. Getting to really know a great group of diverse individuals from all over the world has not only shaped my perspective on current world issues, but has also allowed me to take a glance at certain topics from another angle and point of view.

read more
A Construction Science Major Turns Lessons into Opportunity after a Sustainability Study Abroad Program 

A Construction Science Major Turns Lessons into Opportunity after a Sustainability Study Abroad Program 

AJ Ewing spent his past Winter Break a little bit differently than most students, by studying abroad on our GREEN Nepal program. As a Construction Science major, AJ notes that he was nervous coming into the study abroad program having no prior experience in sustainability or electrical/solar grids, but he was excited and eager to learn. As soon as he arrived, all his nerves were gone as he was welcomed by our team and ready to dive in. Now, he can honestly say that when he thinks of The GREEN Program, he thinks of “family away from home.”

read more
How a Geologist Made His Sustainability Dream in Iceland a Reality through a Study Abroad Scholarship

How a Geologist Made His Sustainability Dream in Iceland a Reality through a Study Abroad Scholarship

As someone who is in a field with a limited representation of ethnic minorities, TGP created a neutral ground where there was a range of diversity on different levels. My GREEN Program experience in Iceland wasn’t just about the adventures and cultural immersion, but about the education too. I thoroughly enjoyed the lectures because I saw how passionate the different lecturers were about their work and research which is truly inspiring. As a geologist, learning more about the wonder that is Iceland in Iceland was definitely a dream come true.

read more
Get to Know GREENie: Maryam Aida Tidjani

Get to Know GREENie: Maryam Aida Tidjani

Maryam Aida Tidjani got to experience a brand new kind of GREEN Program during the hard times the world was facing, a 100% Virtual and Online experience. Initially planning on traveling to Peru in 2021, the global pandemic continued to shift things around and we had to pivot all travel programs to Online experiences.

read more

Subscribe to The GREEN Program newsletter & updates

Loading...
Skip to content