Issue Area
Pollinators
Overview
Pollinators, including bees, birds, butterflies, bats and other insects are declining rapidly due to a number of factors, including loss of habitat, loss of forage, and pesticides. Some pollinators such as bumblebees and Monarch butterflies may be on the verge of extinction. Many states have enacted or are considering legislation to acquire, restore and/or protect pollinator habitat, as well as to restrict the application of pesticides such as neonicotinoids and other chemicals that are harmful to pollinators. Innovative funding mechanisms like pollinator license plates and community initiatives have also been introduced in recent years.
Key Facts
Pollinators are essential to at least one-third of the crops grown for human consumption, yet almost 44% of bees died in the period between April 2019 and April 2020.
Pollinators are responsible for between $235 and $577 billion in crops produced worldwide.
Pollinators assist over 80% of the world’s flowering plants to reproduce.