[#Bee] Bees play an important role in both ecosystems and urban development. There are 200,000 to 350,000 species that pollinate plants.
But just 2% of over 20,000 wild bee species pollinate 80% of the world's flowers and plant species, including 70 of the top 100 economic crops.
About a third of the world's nutritional needs depend on pollinators like bees, equivalent to US$577 billion a year. The European Union found, however, that one in three key pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are vanishing from ecosystems.
Bees deserve attention in urban ecosystems. Many cities are trying to look after urban bees. In Leicester in England, for example, there are Bee Bus Stops. These roof gardens on bus shelters store rainwater, filter out air pollution, and boost biodiversity. They also help reduce the urban heat island effect.
These gardens show how urban areas can prioritize sustainability and biodiversity. By integrating green infrastructure and promoting a bee-friendly environment, cities can conserve bee populations, helping support ecosystems and food resources. The initiative aligns with the global trend toward carbon neutrality and demonstrates how urbanization can benefit nature and the environment.
Important implications for the future:
- Can labs and closed ecosystems enable food security in place of traditional agriculture?
- Bee-friendly habitats and native plant species in cities can boost sustainability, conserve biodiversity, and provide educational opportunities.