By Duane Pool
The in-depth 2009 documentary, Vanishing of the Bees directed by George Langworthy and Maryam Henein, brilliantly illustrates the disappearance of honey bees around the world and explains some of the causes and conditions that may be contributing to the phenomena of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).
The film does not offer a concrete or conclusive scientific explanation regarding CCD but instead, draws clear parallels between the concurrent actions of neonicotinoid pesticides, parasites, herbicides and other possible contributors to the outcome of the phenomena.
As the film points out, a conclusive scientific rationale for the global phenomena is still being hotly debated and contested. Currently, there are many conflicting opinions about the culprit etiology.
Despite their efforts, public, corporate, and government agendas are currently unable to reach a consensus on how to to bring about a feasible resolution to the crisis.
What cannot be ignored or denied is an acknowledgement that the bees are vanishing in record numbers and at an astonishing rate. The implications of massive bee die offs are multiple. Bees pollinate flowers, blossoms produce food, food feeds us. It’s a pretty direct line to our ability to sustain ourselves as a species.
Vanishing of the Bees also offers an entertaining sideline view regarding the efforts of activist beekeepers David Mendes of the American Beekeeping Federation, and David Hackenberg of Hackenberg Apiaries.
The ongoing efforts of independent researchers who are also working together with activists are also highlighted, to ascertain a solution to the crisis by taking action such as testifying at congressional hearings, advocating for resources to support unbiased research, and developing international relationships to promote solution oriented dialogue.
This film holds accountable agrichemical companies such as Monsanto and Bayer CropScience and questions the research that is provided to the Federal Department of Agriculture (FDA) for approval of agrichemical products new to the market.
In considering all of this comprehensive information regarding the Colony Collapse Disorder debate, it is probably important to emphasize and deeply reconsider an important question that was initially posed in this film:
What are the bees telling us?
It seems that the bees are telling us a lot!
Thank you to George Langworthy, Maryam Henein, Hive Mentality, Hipfuel Films and to bees everywhere for such an entertaining, yet educational documentary!
What is your opinion on the documentary “Vanishing of the Bees?”
What do you think the bees are telling us?
- What is your opinion on the role of independent research in determining the culprit of Colony Collapse Disorder?
- How do you feel about the current public outcry against agrichemical companies such as Monsanto?
- How can we take action?
- What action should we expect our local and federal government to be taking?
- Thank you for sharing your opinions and feedback with us!