The world’s top insect experts say our planet’s important insect population is going through a “death by a thousand cuts.” A new group of studies suggests Earth is losing around 1 to 2 percent of its insects each year. The losses are blamed on climate change, pollution, agriculture, land use changes and chemicals. David Wagner of the University of Connecticut is the lead writer of the 12 studies, which recently appeared in Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences. The research involved 56 scientists from around the world. The problem, sometimes called the insect apocalypse, is a complex issue. Even scientists say they do not fully understand it. And the complexity of the issue makes it hard to get the public interested in possible solutions.

What is an apocalypse?
a grand party
a great and sudden disaster
a long novel
a ski resort
What cause is NOT blamed for the loss of insect populations?
climate change
an increase of birds
pollution
land use of chemicals
Each year, the Earth is losing about 1 to 2 percent of its insects.
oceans
insects
population
birds