Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
What The Heck Is Going On With The Bees?
By
Ben Yakas
Published Mar 12, 2011
Modified Mar 13, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Mar 12, 2011
Modified Mar 13, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
It was barely nine months ago, but the days of bees swarming Cipriani Residences downtown seem like a distant memory: according to a new report by the UN, bees are dying out globally, which could mean serious problems for people all over.
The report blamed "more than a dozen" factors for the disappearances of the bee colonies, including air pollution, pesticides, tiny parasites, and the decline of wild flowers in developed areas. And even if you're no lover of bees, let alone one of the city's many beekeepers, their disappearance will have a huge impact on the global food supply. "Of the 100 crop species that provide 90% of the world's food, over 70 are pollinated by bees. Human beings have fabricated the illusion that in the 21st century they have the technological prowess to be independent of nature. Bees underline the reality that we are more, not less, dependent on nature's services in a world of close to 7 billion people," said Achim Steiner, head of the UN Environmental Program that commissioned the report.
Slow Food USA has more information about the importance of bees and how you can get involved, including a petition for the head of the EPA. Or you can watch Nicholas Cage freak out:
Tagged
bees
disappearing
food
honey
video
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman spar over immigration, cost of living in debate
The Democratic incumbent repeatedly invoked President Donald Trump. The Republican challenger largely avoided bringing up New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
By
Jon Campbell
Published Oct 13, 2026 at 9:05 p.m. ET
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
Years of bus headaches start Thursday as Port Authority advances Midtown terminal work
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
and
Carol Chen
ICE admits to using Roxbury, NJ warehouse site to process immigrants
By
Mike Hayes
Dolan's offer: Donations to Blakeman for Knicks tickets
By
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .