BEE-lieve you can make a difference

Whether we achieve personal goals and dreams during our lifetime is perhaps less far-reaching than seeking to understand how every creature is connected to us, our health and well-being. Caring for other creatures, seeking to grasp and relieve them of their dilemmas,is thought to be something that would help human-beings. Consider how many of us depend on other people and creatures who may not specifically be motivated to help us. Yet, we all perform roles that influence others.

A curious report is drawing attention to the unexplained disappearance of millions of bees in the United States (U.S.). Beekeepers are at their wit’s end. A bewildered Congress is examining this critical situation facing a key insect, that is essential to the stability of national agriculture. Cornell University studies indicate these industrious insects pollinate crops valued at anywhere from 12 to 14 billion dollars. Bees could mean the difference between success or failure of life-preserving crops.

According to the newsflash, initial signs of an enigma emerged just after Christmas in Florida, when beekeepers discovered bees had vanished with no trace. Since then, the syndrome which experts are describing as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), has cut U.S. swarms by over 25%. Where have all the bees gone and what can we do about it?

Daniel Weaver, president of the US Beekeepers Association, stated over half a million colonies, each with nearly 50 thousand bees, are lost. He urges people to recognize this phenomenon has already affected 30 of the country's 52 states. Curiously, in many cases, the mortal remains of the bees have not been found. In fact, the situation has been compared with stories of the Bermuda Triangle.

Scientists explore many hypotheses. One theory is pesticide may have caused bees neurological damage and altered their sense of orientation. Other scientists blame drought and highly-used technology such as mobile phone waves. Widespread bee disappearance as a symptom of large-scale environmental destruction has not yet been seriously explored. Attributing localized blame for negative consequences is more prevalent than seeking concrete solutions. No one admits they know exactly what triggered this syndrome or when it will end. How do you bee-lieve you could make a difference to a disappearing species? Which life choices might affect it?

Comments

[Donna L. Faber]

YES, YES, YES ... compelling topic indeed! And I've seen it in other forums and such. My theory, which is based on nothing other than opinion and casual observation, is that the bees are affected by the cellular phone waves, which might interfere withe bees ability to communicate with one another ... you know that little dance and wiggle they do when they return from the fields to the hive. Cell Phone use in this country has increased dramatically over the last 10 years!

[Liara Covert]

Donna, very intriguing point you mention. Human beings may become so wrapped up in what technological innovation means to them, that they disregard or remain unaware of effects on other creatures and the environment. This situation reminds us to think about more than simply ourselves. To move from self-centred to soul-centred transforms us.