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A World Without Bees by journalist Alison Benjamin provides a sobering look at the threats facing honeybee populations worldwide and the potentially disastrous ramifications. The book examines colony collapse disorder and other factors causing mass die-offs of these essential pollinators.
I found the scope of research impressive, from explaining intricate hive dynamics to profiling of beekeepers and scientists investigating disturbing hive abandonments across continents. Benjamin interweaves big picture analysis of the vital role bees play in ecosystems and agriculture with intimate on-the-ground reporting to put an accessible human face on the crisis. The result balances a cautionary tale about overusing chemicals in farming with fascinating glimpses into the small wonders of beehives.
At times, certain passages delve into tedious detail, whether about beekeeping minutiae or environmental studies. The scope of the book also focuses more on documenting the problem rather than solutions. However, Benjamin succeeds in sounding the alarm about the precarious status of bees facing multiple anthropogenic stressors from diseases to habitat loss. She drives home just how much human food supplies depend on reversing their decline.
Overall, the book serves as an eye-opening resource for anyone interested in the threats to global bee populations, writing with clarity and nuance about why we should care and what’s at stake for human and ecosystem welfare if we fail to act.
2011