There’s no denying it: Bee populations are DROPPING in shocking numbers, and the consequences could be severe. Scientists are sounding the alarm – and warning of a catastrophic collapse of vital ecosystems as insect populations decline.

The Western bumblebee population has fallen by a staggering 93%. Over 700 types of North American bees are on the brink of EXTINCTION. Even honeybee colonies are declining at an alarming rate, with nearly 50% GONE just last year. But greedy corporations like Bayer are still polluting our farm fields – and contaminating the surrounding lands – by spreading MILLIONS OF POUNDS of bee-toxic pesticides. 

Our fragile bees don’t stand a chance against this senseless chemical onslaught. Meanwhile, the destructive and outdated pesticide industry continues to reap profits. That’s why Friends of the Earth is fighting nonstop to protect our bees, our communities and our planet from harmful pesticide pollution and secure a sustainable future. But we need your help before Giving Tuesday ends so we can continue this urgent fight. 

For today – and only today – a generous group of donors is matching all gifts up to $200,000 in honor of Giving Tuesday – but only until midnight TONIGHT. That means today only, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT in this crucial work. Please: Will you make a membership gift of $27 or more now – while $27 becomes $54! – to protect pollinators, people and our planet from Big Polluters?

Here’s the shocking truth: Chemical companies play such a huge role in our farming system that even the seeds of our major crops, like soy, are coated with neonics. Neonics are the most widely used insecticides WORLDWIDE. But these chemicals are NEUROTOXIC to bees, and research clearly shows that neonics are key drivers of an “insect apocalypse.” 

As bee populations keep dropping, risks to our food system – and our very survival – will continue to rise. Neonics contamination persists in our food, soil and water – spreading its toxic touch from our farm fields into the wider ecosystem and our homes. Even more, recent rates of bee loss have already impacted fruit, nut and vegetable production across the globe. That means more people could lose access to vital nutritious foods as they become more expensive, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and other life-threatening conditions, according to a recent study. 

But that isn’t stopping pesticide corporations from keeping their death grip on our farming system. They’re spending big money on major misinformation campaigns in a huge effort to deceive farmers and consumers, and hide their role in the bee die-offs! These tactics BLOCK the ecological farming solutions we need to protect our pollinators, our communities and our planet for generations to come. We can’t step aside and let it happen! 

We MUST stop the pesticide industry from spreading their bee-toxic POISON and polluting our planet just for short-term profits. Friends of the Earth is pushing food retailers to stop using neonics in their food supply, and groundbreaking policies that ban neonics and other harmful pesticides. That’s why this $200,000 Giving Tuesday matching gift opportunity is so critical right now – and we need your help to get there before the deadline tonight. Every dollar powers our fight against corporate polluters, so please: Will you make a membership gift of $27 or more now – before our rare DOUBLE MATCH expires at midnight – to help Friends of the Earth protect our pollinators, our communities and our planet before it’s too late?

Thank you for being a part of our fight for the planet. 

Standing with you,

Kendra Klein
Deputy Director of Science
Friends of the Earth