The car is one of the most popular means of transportation in our country. Every year, thousands of people use this vehicle when the summer holidays arrive with a view to reaching a beach, mountain or rural destination, which are the favorites among Spaniards.
Another element that proliferates at this time of year are insects, so it is very common that during our tour many mosquitoes end up crushed on the windshield, making it difficult for us to see outside. However, this could change.
Volunteers from the Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife associations in the United Kingdom have spent the last 20 years recording the number of “flying insects” that hit vehicles during their travels; and this figure has been plummeting.
The results show a 64% reduction in insects intercepted by vehicles traveling in the United Kingdom. As scientists expected, we are facing a major loss of insects that could lead to a sixth mass extinction. Studies show that insect populations are declining globally, but what is causing this phenomenon?
The main causes derive from the constant deterioration suffered by the soil, vegetation, water and air due to human activities. On the one hand, the soil has been transformed into cement, water is becoming increasingly scarce, and plants are treated with toxic phytosanitary products.
Likewise, humans interrupt the communication mechanisms necessary for the survival of insects. In this way, they tend to become disoriented due to light, chemical and physical pollution in the air. To this we must add climate change, which seriously affects the abundance of insects.
Although they may be a nuisance for drivers, insects are essential living beings. They make up more than 80% of known animal species, and play a vitally important role as pollinators. 35% of food production comes from plants pollinated by insects, so their disappearance would put food security at risk.
Although the actions of a citizen cannot solve major environmental problems, it is true that some gestures achieve great results. In order to protect insects, we can leave aside phytosanitary products in our small gardens or orchards, consume food products from good agricultural practices and avoid the introduction of invasive species in our agricultural or gardening practices.
