The use of certain organophosphate and carbamate pesticides has been banned due to their toxicity to human and animal health. In response, neonicotinoids were introduced as an alternative, less toxic pesticide. However, further research has shown that neonicotinoids disrupt natural ecosystems and are toxic to aquatic and terrestrial arthropods, threatening local biodiversity.
Ecosystem disruption by neonicotinoids
The use of certain organophosphate and carbamate pesticides has been banned due to their toxicity to human and animal health. In response, neonicotinoids were introduced as an alternative, less toxic pesticide. However, further research has shown that neonicotinoids disrupt natural ecosystems and are toxic to aquatic and terrestrial arthropods, threatening local biodiversity.
Nº 92
1) United States, California
2) European Union
- Land, Food & Agriculture
- Agricultural Productivity Increase
- Promotion of Pesticides
some attempts made
past case
Region-1
Region-2
Region-3
Region-4
ongoing case
no attempts made
Yes
Ecosystem disruption by neonicotinoids
1) Neonicotinoids have been used extensively in California, USA, causing severe damage to pollinators such as managed and wild bee species. These chemicals have shown long-lasting effects, persisting in soils and vegetation for many years after use has ceased. In addition, these chemicals have managed to spread to other environments where neonicotinoids were not originally used.
2) In response to mounting evidence of the adverse effects of certain neonicotinoids on pollinator species, the European Union has introduced a ban that prohibits the use of these specific neonicotinoids.
- Cascading (far-reaching effects following each other)
1) Mann, K. (2021). Neonicotinoid use, bee toxicity, and actions for california landscapes. University of San Francisco.
2) European Commission, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, The Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. (2018). EU Pollinators Initiative. https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/pollinators/documents/EU_
Sánchez-Bayo, F. (2014). The trouble with neonicotinoids. Science, 346(6211), 806–807. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1259159
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