Warnings directed at humanity as a whole are rare, but when experts raise concerns of this scale, it is worth paying attention to what they are saying.
The latest claims come from Dr Joseph Varon, who says insects such as beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, mosquitoes, and bees are becoming far less common in many parts of the world.
Varon shared his concerns in an article for The Defender, outlining why the decline of insects should worry far more people than it currently does.
He wrote: “In medicine, silence can be more alarming than noise. For example, a patient who abruptly stops voicing discomfort or a monitor that ceases activity may signal system failure rather than resolution.”
He then raised the question of what would happen to life on Earth if insects were to disappear altogether.
According to Varon, one of the first and most obvious changes would be shortages of fruit and vegetables, along with nuts and legumes that depend on insects for pollination.
Scientists believe this could weaken immune systems and increase the risk of chronic diseases across large populations.
In simple terms, insects are not optional for life as we know it. They are fundamental.
He warned that research suggests up to a quarter of the world’s insect species could face extinction by 2030, a shift that could trigger serious and lasting consequences.
As one example, Varon pointed to people who experience repeated respiratory infections, which may be linked to changing pollen patterns caused by shifting insect populations.
Sharing his recommendations, the doctor added: “It is essential for medical professionals to integrate environmental health assessments into their practice, amplifying the connectivity between ecological and human health.”
