Colony Collapse Disorder
Summary:
The year is 2030. Life now looks different than it did in 2016, because Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has caused a near eradication of pollinator bees. Many factors, including climate change, pesticide use, mono-cropping, disease, and parasites contributed to the collapse. Our society was not able to stop the decline before it was too late. Though honeybees did not officially become extinct, they are rare enough that they provide no significant crop pollination. Bees pollinate about a third of our food, so when the hives collapsed, so did our food system. The system of mass food production was based on industrialized bee pollination, where bees would pollinate huge amounts of one crop. Now that we cannot rely on bee pollination as an input to this system, food production is much more localized and small-scale. As a result of this, people are more involved with the production of their food, and more aware of food systems as a whole. In addition, people feel more connected to and protective of the natural environment.
Complete Summary: Summary
Highlights:
- 1950 – Industrial agriculture and monocropping take off
- 2000 – Pollination farms are invented
- 2005 – Colony Collapse Disorder is discovered
- 2020 – Last Queen bee in captivity dies
- 2020 – Alternative pollination research begins
- 2021 – Riots due to food shortages
- 2022 – The government steps in and established food security programs
- 2025 – Personal gardens
- 2030 – Agricultural education implemented
- 2030 – Full agricultural revolution
Media Campaign for Progressing Localized Farming:
Digests: Views depicted from various roles
Graphical Representation:
Mystery of the Missing Bees: Detailed explanation of Colony Collapse Disorder
Conclusion:
A future that is not dependent on industrialized bee pollination is also one where humans become closer with nature. After the bees could no longer be depended upon, the old system of food distribution could not be maintained. The new system that is supported by small individual and local farms, rather than massive and industrial mono-crop farms, is more reminiscent of natural processes. Under the old system, the average human had little to no part in the food production process. The majority of food was purchased at supermarkets, so there was a major disconnect between the consumer, and the actual process of creating that food. In addition, many foods were processed, which further removed people from the natural world, as they consumed such artificial renderings of sustenance.
Complete Conclusion: Conclusion
Sources: Bibliography