An extinction that could change the world!

If we had the will and actually knew how to read the signs, Nature would have thousands of stories to tell us about how climate change is affecting life on Earth. Every living creature has something important to say on the subject, as well as to warn humanity on the potential dangers of ignoring the signs.

According to experts, climate change will increases the risk of extinction for bees and other pollinating insects that are already under threat from pesticides and habitat loss. Changes to natural habitats and also to the behaviour of different species, as a result of warmer weather conditions, will turn our worst fears into reality!

Taking into account recent research results, as well as figures about the declining production of honey, it is becoming important to know whether the so-called “plight” of the honey bee is actually risking exhausting our food security and even life on Earth itself!

More than honey…

Have a look at this article on Wikipedia: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bee_(mythology)

The bee appears to be a sacred and important symbol for many cultures since ancient times.

1. Read the information and identify what the bees meant for different nations/places. What similarities do you find (if any) and what differences?
2. What distinctive characteristics do you believe that bees have that make them so special among other creatures (and especially insects)?
3. What do you believe that our ancestors knew that we ignore?

Your task is to now to explore how bees are important and influence the lives of people today. To discover what would happen if bees disappeared from the earth!

BEES: Discover the truth behind their extinction:

(Using only basic information)

1) List the most common products we get from honey bees (e.g. honey, royal jelly etc). Visit your local stores and check how many of them we find on the shelves and how important they are for everyday life. Report in class.

(Using more specific material)

You may read the material (e.g. What a grocery store without bees looks like?) and watch the Resource videos (e.g. the trailer of the film “More than Honey"), in order to find out more.

2) Watch the videos (the teacher may select) and/or read the corresponding material in order to find out the reasons of their potential extinction. Discuss with your classmates how much of this reality you were actually aware of.

3) Now check the facts. What is the real value of bees for

• our planet,
• for humanity, and
• for you and your family?

How would life and economy change if you had to live without them?

4) How much is your local (or national) economy related to bee products and their function as pollinators?

5) Now make a list of all the products which we have thanks to bees that you consider absolutely necessary for you and your family. In order to do that, check all the products you keep at home (fridge and cupboards), as well as visit your local store/supermarket.

Take action:

1) Visit your local or regional beekeepers (or beekeepers’ association) in order to learn more about bees. Decide on common action to be taken.

2) Organise a blog in order to involve other people in collecting good practices and acquiring bee-friendly living and eating habits in your territory.

3) Investigate organic and natural means of pest control. Plant a bee yard at school/home/city/municipality/region in order to attract pollinating insects and assist bees in their effort to survive. In order to do that, you may also invite a specialist (e.g. agriculturist) to provide with directions on appropriate plants.

4) Contact local cooperative/association and local shops and encourage them to order and sell only organic products.

5) Make a start by eating only organic and natural products and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

6) Visit or invite your local authorities (municipal, prefectural or regional) and submit a written request on proper pest control in agriculture.

7) Organise a campaign against bee extinction promoting possible local solutions for this global problem. Contact other local schools and involve them, asking students to become part of this common effort.

Learning outcomes

• To explore the importance that bees have to our environment and our economy
• To become aware of the potential threat to our environment and economy caused by the decline of the bee population in many parts of the world