Ecological scientist and author Jeff Ollerton wrote an article in 2021 titled “Pollinators are our secret weapon in the fight against global warming.” Bees, butterflies, bats, birds, moths, flies, beetles, and wasps are all pollinators. Pollinators have a very specific important job; they eat insects, disperse seeds, and pollinate plants. When they find native flowers, they drink nectar or transport pollen grains as they move to a different location. According to research by Jeff Ollerton, Rachael Winfree, and Sam Tarrant in their 2011 abstract titled “How many flowering plants are pollinated by animals,” somewhere between 75% and 95% of all flowering plants on earth need help with pollination in order to reproduce. In order to achieve successful cross pollination, we all depend on pollinators to transfer pollen grains from one flowering plant to another flowering plant of the same species.
Human lives literally depend on the health of pollinators. One third of the food we eat is directly pollinated, so the health of pollinators is critical to our food and ecosystems. Pollinators also help reverse the impacts of climate change, but this is not always well understood. Carbon dioxide releases into the earth’s atmosphere when coal, oil, and natural gas are burned. When plants take in carbon dioxide, they keep the carbon and give away the oxygen. Pollinators ensure that plant populations soak up carbon in their roots, stems, and bulbs. Fighting global warming requires restoring natural habitats through natural seed regeneration, and pollinators excel at dispersing seeds. Pollinators positively help soil health. When a pollinator finds a flower, it sets in motion a chain of events that also leads to protection of seeds and developing embryos. Nature is trying to reproduce. Once the carbon-rich protective casings fulfill their function, they fall to the ground and enter the soil. Soils are the second most important carbon store; only oceans contain more carbon by mass than soils do.
Pollinator populations are in decline due to loss in feeding and nesting habitats, chemicals, pollution, and extreme weather. It’s essential that humans help create an environment, a natural habitat, to protect these pollinators. Plant native milkweeds for monarch butterfly growth and development. Plant butterfly nectar plants to give monarchs energy for migration. Grow native plants with brightly colored flowers and an attractive scent in order to appeal to bird and insect pollinators. Avoid using pesticides whenever possible, especially insecticides. All pesticides can have unintended consequences for butterflies and caterpillars. Buy local honey to support local beekeepers. Building native bee houses goes one step further, as long as the bee houses are properly maintained. Providing natural nesting materials is the best way to support native bees. Even simple brush piles and branches provide space for bees to nest and lay eggs. When we take small steps to treat pollinators as our equals, we help reduce the decline in pollinator populations.
Aaron Wagner
Environmental Justice team
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