The disappearance of insects is raising alarms worldwide, signaling a potential collapse of ecosystems crucial for sustaining life. Dr. Simon Pockley, who has observed these changes over decades, reports from the Warrumbungle National Park in Australia.
Despite favorable seasons, Pockley notes a troubling absence of insects in his area. “This spring, my block was covered with daisies and butterflies, but there were no bees, beetles, or moths,” he observed. This absence is not just a local anomaly but part of a broader, alarming trend.
The Global Insect Crisis
According to experts, the decline of insects is a global emergency. An entomologist confirmed to Pockley that the widespread use of insecticides is a major factor, likening the situation to climate change in terms of urgency and neglect. Without insects, plants fail to pollinate, soils degrade, and the food chain collapses.
“Sadly, this is happening all around the world, and the general assumption is that the nearly unlimited use of insecticides is the main culprit. It will be too late when there are no bees anymore to pollinate our crops.”
In July 2025, the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand held an Insects in Crisis Symposium, highlighting research that predicted nearly 150 insect species could become extinct by 2024. This follows a 2022 pledge by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to prevent new extinctions, a promise now under severe scrutiny.
Systemic Failures and Historical Parallels
The crisis is compounded by a decline in entomological expertise, with scientists facing harassment and exclusion from key research institutions like CSIRO. This echoes the warnings in Rachel Carson’s seminal 1962 work, “Silent Spring,” which condemned the misuse of biocides and regulatory failures.
Carson’s warnings seem prophetic today, as Australia grapples with environmental degradation highlighted in the 2021 State of the Environment report. The report revealed worsening conditions and a world-leading mammal extinction rate, underscoring systemic failures in environmental regulation.
Impact of Human Activities
Research into artificial light and noise pollution shows these factors disrupt insect communication, mating, and foraging. Land clearing, rising temperatures, and the 2019-20 bushfires, which destroyed billions of insects, are also significant contributors to the crisis.
In agriculture, the use of herbicides and insecticides is pervasive. Chemicals like Glyphosate and neonicotinoids, while targeting pests, harm non-target insects and disrupt ecosystems. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority highlights these chemicals’ broad ecological impacts.
“The impact of commonly used herbicides on insects highlights a gap between standard testing and real-world ecological effects on specific insect species.”
Looking Forward: Solutions and Challenges
Addressing the insect decline requires reversing global warming, transforming agricultural practices, restoring natural habitats, and limiting harmful chemicals. However, these objectives seem daunting, leading to a sense of impotence among those aware of the crisis.
Yet, action is possible. Local initiatives, like reducing plastic waste and promoting biodiversity, can contribute to broader efforts. As Rachel Carson suggested, humanity stands at a crossroads, with the choice to preserve the earth still within reach.
“We stand now where two roads diverge. The road we have long been travelling is deceptively easy, but at its end lies disaster. The other fork offers our last chance to assure the preservation of the earth.”
Ultimately, connectedness and community action are powerful tools against this crisis. As Pockley reflects, even small acts of environmental stewardship can make a difference. The voices of poets and musicians, he suggests, can unite us in this effort, providing hope and inspiration in the face of daunting challenges.
