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February 12, 2019

Report: 40% of Insects May Go Extinct in Near Future
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In science news, a shocking new report warns the rapid decline of the
world's insect population could lead to the "catastrophic collapse of
nature's ecosystems." The report, published in the journal Biological
Conservation, estimates 40 percent of insect species are in decline and
could go extinct in the next few decades. Insects are vital for their
role in pollinating plants, purifying the soil and water, recycling
natural waste and protecting crops from pests. The report says that
unsustainable, pesticide-dependent industrial agriculture is the main
cause of the die-off, but the report also cites warming temperatures as
a factor.


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