Plight of the Bees

Bees are small, flying insects that are closely related to wasps and ants. They have existed for thousands of years and are known for their role and for producing honey, beeswax and other products. These tiny insects also have a role in our economy and agriculture. However, since 1972, large numbers of honey bees have disappeared in the United States and the term "colony collapse disorder" was created to describe the sudden disappearances. Studies have shown that a new (DNA-based) virus and Nosema ceranae (a fungus) was found in almost every colony that has been killed. Millions of beehives have disappeared or have been killed off every year, yet nobody notices. It will most likely take a drastic change in our lifestyle in order for this problem to be recognized.

Everyone knows that bees supply the world with honey, beeswax, almonds and other materials. What most people don't know is that these materials are used in everyday products such as scented candles, bullets, lipstick, oil spill control, lip balm, bagpipes, crayons, candy and various types of cosmetics. Honey is also used in many dishes and shipped to many supermarkets around the world. In addition to being a delightful snack, honey is sometimes used for medical purposes. Beeswax candles are used for various religous rituals or holidays, such as Hanukkah. Bees also contribute to the pollination of other plants and crops, making them a vital part to our the production of agricultural commodities.

Without bees and their products, our economy and food supply crash and the our country will go into a nation-wide panic. The price of almonds are already slowly rising because of the decline of bees. If the bees were to disappear in even larger quantities or completely, the prices of foods would skyrocket and finally, a majority people will understand the importance of bees and how their disappearance is endangering their world. The Bee Movie, although not very accurate, still accurately displays a future without bees. The world will be a more dark, depressing place without honey bees.

However, that disaster has yet to happen. Some countries, such as France, have already banned pesticides, in an attempt to stop the deaths of bees. Some beekeepers are looking for ways to work with the bees without harming or abusing them. There is still time to preserve the bees if people were to start paying attention to the problem. It would be wise to take the colony collapse disorder as a warning that should not be ignored, because the fate of our world, as we know it, depends on it.