Urgent action is needed to help the world’s bees. Driven by climate change, disease and intensive farming, many species are in decline and some are at the brink of extinction.
Pollinators, such as bees, help the production of more than 75% of global food crops including apples, strawberries, coffee and cocoa. Their loss would cause a global food crisis.
At the University of Reading, Professor Simon Potts, Director of the Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, and his team of experts are determined to save bees and other pollinators with innovative research, highlighting their crucial role in the global food chain.
Professor Potts works with scientists, farmers and the United Nations to find new ways to protect bees and prevent further decline.
Reading is considered one of the leading centres of expertise and research into pollinators. Professor Potts and his team advise governments, businesses and charities all over the world and support campaigns, exhibitions and activities. They aim to inspire everyone to play their part in helping to save the world’s bees.
Taking action
Professor Potts and his academic colleagues in the School of Agriculture, Policy & Development are on a mission to educate and engage the nation. They organise regular public events and cross-campus collaborations to galvanise support and raise awareness of the scale of this threat.
“The natural world is wonderful and beautiful, but it’s also a crucial resource for human prosperity. With some vital pollinators seeing dramatic declines, and the knock-on effects this has for many food crops, we must take action.”
He continued: “It’s important to save our pollinators to preserve nature and provide secure resources for future generations. Raising awareness and making fundamental changes is key to their survival.”
Find out more about Professor Potts’ research.
