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Imagine a world without butterflies - and poems, and romance, and dreams that touch the heart of destiny..
Since 1990, the EU butterfly population has been on the decline with implications that affects crops and resultant food production. And a 50% drop in grassland butterflies is significant because it is a key indicator of the state of bio-diversity. Remember no bugs - no economy - and then food becomes an issue.
Not being in a position to substantiate these reports, we however sense there is some truth to the issue by virtue of many corroborations. Consider all the evidence regarding climate change as well; it becomes straightforward to conclude that as the climate swaggers about, other variables are sure to be effected. Bugs are no exception.
All this gets back to one principle of "Bugonomics" insofar-as non-financial metrics are critical indicators of macro-economic well-being and better identify concerns that would seriously impair economic viability. Just like a doctor who must go beyond the window-dressing by probing for underlying concerns with modern scientific tools.
In this case, the demise of butterflies and other bugs points us towards an understanding of the deeper causes. These causes are tied to bio-chemical farming technology used to enhance crop production to feed ever-expanding global populations whose growth has been supported and exacerbated by fossil fuels along with neo-classical economic theory. A theory that blindly encourages growth with no regard for its consequences.
At this juncture, we may falsely believe that we are winning the "Bug Battle", but in the end the champions are sure to be different. And that should bug (sic) a lot of us!
Dr. Peter G Kinesa
August 30, 2013
We are the Champions!
