Five Million Signatures Just Saved Bees From Extinction Here

People have long been aware of the dangers posed by pesticides, but there has been little political action until now. In a historic victory for the well-being of both the declining bee-population and our planet, the European Union finally plans to ban the world’s most widely used insecticides, neonicotinoids, by the end of the year.

Believe it or not, but bees are among the most important creatures to humans on earth. It is estimated that one-third of the food that we consume each day relies on their pollination and so, our fate is firmly entwined with theirs.

In a bid to protect these hard-working creatures, the European Union plans to ban the world’s most widely used insecticides, neonicotinoids (otherwise known as neonics for short).

European Commission spokeswoman Anca Paduraru told reporters in Brussels that it was hoped the ban will enter into force by the end of the year, though exemptions will be made for indoor use. ‘We are banning all outdoor uses, so under strict conditions, they might still be used in greenhouses’, she said.

The chemicals might still be used in greenhouses

These chemicals were first introduced in the late 1980s, supposedly as a safer alternative to other toxic insecticides. However, contemporary research has increasingly started to point out their dangers.

The most catastrophic impact of neonics is that have been proven to sterilize male bees. This results in the reduced population of bees that is currently threatening the whole food chain.

These chemicals work by destroying the nerve cells of the creatures that ingest them. Not only do they pose a danger to the birds that eat these insects, but there is also a danger to coastal wildlife since chemicals entering the soil are eventually washed downstream.

The incredible success of this petition, which gathered five million signatures, demonstrates how solidarity can inspire meaningful change with real-life impact.

‘We call on you to immediately ban the use of neonicotinoid pesticides’, proclaimed the petition that inspired the European Union to create this new law. ‘The catastrophic demise of bee colonies could put our whole food chain in danger. If you act urgently with precaution now, we could save bees from extinction.’

Antonia Staats, senior campaigner at Avaaz, which had led a petition, said: ‘Banning these toxic pesticides is a beacon of hope for bees. Finally, our governments are listening to their citizens, the scientific evidence and farmers who know that bees can’t live with these chemicals and we can’t live without bees.’

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.