If insect diversity were to disappear, a vital part of the system that supports us would be lost. Nature would change, and our diet would have to change with it. Pollinator robots would not be able to compensate for the absence of insects.

The decline in both insect populations and in the number of species is well documented, though the evidence is patchy outside  Europe and North America. Scientists agree that agriculture has a negative influence. Both the expansion and intensification of farming seem to be to blame.

Long-term research, individual studies  and the Red Lists all tell the same story:  the numbers and diversity of insects  are heading downhill. Plugging the gaps  in the data will do nothing to change  this conclusion.

The October uprising has paved the way for new constitution in Chile. However, the virus has forced citizens’ organisations into quarantine and is delaying constitutional change. What happens next?

➔ All graphics and infographics from the Insect Atlas 2020 as download.

To limit the damage that insect pests  cause to crops, we call on their natural enemies – mostly other insects.  Biological pest control is all the more successful if diversity is higher.

For many LGBTI+ people, staying home raises domestic violence concerns. Already among the most vulnerable groups regarding access to employment, LGBTI+ individuals are now facing job and income losses. Moreover, the risk of discrimination in healthcare is higher for LGBTI+ individuals. To make matters worse, hate speech targeting the LGBTI+ community in the pretext of Covid-19 is on the rise.