More Evidence that Pesticides are Killing Bees
- Submitted by: Alison Johnstone, Lothian, Scottish Green Party.
- Date lodged: Tuesday, 23 October 2012
- Motion reference: S4M-04522
That the Parliament notes new research published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Nature, on the effects of exposure to pesticides on bees; understands that the study explored the effects of pesticides on bee colonies, tested the so-called cocktail effect of neonicotinoid and pyrethroid chemicals and found that exposure leads to greater bee deaths, reduced ability to collect food and a greater likelihood that colonies will fail; notes the essential role that bees and other pollinators play in ecosystems, food production and the economy; believes that this study adds further weight to the already strong case for a ban on pesticides containing neonicotinoids and other compounds that might harm insect pollinators, and supports the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s campaign for a moratorium on the use of neonicotinoids on crops in Scotland.
Supported by:
Colin Beattie, Bruce Crawford, Neil Findlay, Kenneth Gibson, Patrick Harvie, Jamie Hepburn, Richard Lyle, Mike MacKenzie, Anne McTaggart, Gil Paterson, Jean Urquhart, Bill Walker, Sandra White