TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT BEES FROM DEADLY PESTICIDES:

Urge the EPA to take decisive, precautionary action Tell EPA to act now to pull pesticides that harm bees. Dear K, In the last four months, 1.2 million people around the world have raised their voices on behalf of bees – urging officials to take decisive, precautionary action by suspending a class of pesticides (neonicotinoids) known to undermine honey bee immunity. Following the "leaked memo" in December, 10,000+ PAN supporters petitioned the agency to pull clothianidin (a neonicotinoid) until the science supporting its registration is re-done right and in partnership with beekeepers. You’re a part of this global movement, and your support made it possible for PAN to work behind the scenes to break that “leaked memo” story. Thank you. Apparently, it’s time to get louder» EPA responded to the pressure, agreeing to move up their review of this family of pesticides and improve the science behind bee decisions (which is good!). But they declined to take action on a timeline that will be meaningful for bees or beekeepers. We don't have the 5+ years it will take for these decisions to play out. Bees need help now. Sign our petition to help us get this message through loud and clear. It’s true that the science hasn’t yet settled on any one cause of Colony Collapse Disorder, and likely it won’t because there are multiple causes acting in concert. Here’s what we know: Scientists believe that immune system suppression is at the root of CCD and the declines in other indicator species such as frogs and bats. Neonicotinoids that are known to suppress honey bees’ immune systems in microscopic doses. Bees face a combination of stressors, including pathogens, habitat loss (in part from broad-spectrum herbicides) and dozens of combined pesticides found in their hives. One common fungicide increases a neonicotinoid’s toxicity 1,000-fold.  Neonicotinoids are long-lasting, systemic pesticides that move through soil and water, and are taken up in a plant’s vascular system. These insecticides are everywhere, accumulating, and genetically bees are especially sensitive to their neurotoxic effects. Bees are a keystone, indicator species. Their decline points to, and will likely precipitate, broader ecosystem degradation. In other words, we know enough and we’d better act quickly if we want to save this $15+ billion a year industry on which so much rides. We know enough to act» Join us as we work with beekeepers and partners from around the country to push for decisive, precautionary action on a timeline that matters.

PAN Alerts are a service to provide you with opportunities to take action and to stay informed about our most pressing local, state, national and international efforts to reduce pesticide use. It's produced by Pesticide Action Network North America, a non-profit and non-governmental organization working to advance sustainable alternatives to pesticides worldwide. We gladly accept donations for our work and all contributions are tax deductible in the United States. Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) 49 Powell St., Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94102 USA Phone: (415) 981-1771 Fax: (415) 981-1991 Email: panna@panna.org Web: http://www.panna.org