Interviews

Ecological Mismatch (Dr. Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson, PhD / 5’ 30’’)

The famous American biologist E.O. Wilson once said that without insects humanity would last all of a few months. We rely on insects, yet two of the biggest threats to insects at this moment in time are caused by mankind: the loss of habitat and what scientists refer to as ecological mismatch - one of the most alarming consequences of a rapidly changing climate.

Dragonflies in a Changing World (Dr. Jessica Ware, PhD / 6’)

Ancestors to dragonflies and damselflies have been around for hundreds of millions of years. They are keen to disperse and adapt better than most insects to the challenges posed by habitat loss and climate change. Its not uniform though and many species of this ancient predator are threatened by extinction. 

Insect Decline and Overfertilisation (Dr. Andreas H. Segerer, 7’30’’)

We are currently faced with an unprecedented loss of insect abundance, biomass and species. One of major contributors to this alarming development is the excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides - that turn previously diverse ecosystems into homogenous, species-poor communities.

Insects as Food (Peter Smithers / 6’)

Insects are an essential source of food for a vast range of animals that we know and love. Increasingly they are also being considered as a nutritious and sustainable aliment for a growing human population.

Makers of Fertile Soil (Dr. Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson, PhD / 4’30’’)

Insects are vital in the waste management business of nature. Without the basic processes of decomposition - turning dead organic matter into fertile soil - life on earth simply couldn’t exist.

Dragonflies as Natural Pest Control Agents (Dr. Jessica Ware, PhD / 5’)

Dragonflies and Damselflies are veracious predators that prevent our summers from being full of nuisance. The excessive use of insecticides however, does not only affect mosquitos and other pests but also the top predators we should welcome into our gardens and backyards.