Insect declines: challenges and solutions

Insects, the most species-rich group of organisms on Earth, provide crucial ecosystem processes such as crop pollination, nutrient cycling, or pest control. Recent evidence indicates declines in insect biodiversity and altered community composition across habitat types. Declines are driven by land-use change, loss of suitable habitats, climatic changes, establishment of non-native species, and pollutants such as pesticides and fertilisers. Arriving at a more solid data basis requires improved insect monitoring through indicator taxa, essential biodiversity variables, and significant technological advancements allowing for real-time monitoring. Halting insect declines will require societal transformation, reduced land-use intensity, and adherence to climate change mitigation strategies. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts and immediate action to preserve insect biodiversity for the benefit of human well-being and planetary health.