Rethinking Lifestyle

In 1962 Rachel Carson published the book Silent Spring describing DDT’s toxic impact on the environment. In spite of fierce opposition from chemical companies, her book led to a wide spread ban on the use of DDT; led to the creation of the US environmental protection agency (EPA) and was probably the beginning of the environmental movement.

I discovered the new Rachel Carson in Christy Morrissey, associate professor, Department of Biology at the University of Saskatchewan, at the National Farmers Union convention in Saskatoon in November, 2016. Dr. Morrissey described her research into the toxic impacts of neonicotinoids (neonics) on insects, especially wetland insects on the prairies. Neonics are a relatively new class of insecticides (widely used since the 1990’s) that are now used as a seed treatment in a vast majority of all purchased seed. This has led to accumulations of the chemical in surface waters and a devastation of natural insect populations. Not many people will miss tiny insects especially mosquitoes but barn swallows, owls, tree swallows, killdeers, even hummingbirds did notice.

I had noticed that I did not have barn swallows on my yard anymore but paid it very little attention until Dr. Morrissey raised the issue. I am trying to think back to when the barn swallows were plentiful and it has been at least 10 years or more. Come to think of it, I don’t see as many killdeers either. Dr. Morrissey says, “it is quieter and quieter out here on the prairie.”

Many people and groups have been involved in raising the issue of neonics but Dr. Christy Morrissey has produced the evidence. In recent years honey bee colonies have had a myriad of problems and some people are starting to associate the problem with wide spread use of neonics.

The timing was incredible; I was experiencing history being made. While we were listening to Dr. Morrissey’s speech at the NFU convention the federal government announced that they are proposing a ban on neonics in Canada. The final decision and details of the ban will be announced after the public comments period ends on February 17, 2017. Health Canada says, “As we move through the re-evaluation of neonicotinoid pesticides, we will consider Dr. Morrissey’s data along with all other relevant data that is available. An interim report is targeted for later this year.”

We are watching a repeat of history after having made a bad mistake with DDT only 55 years ago. How quickly we forget and what a hard time we have in learning that all things are connected to all things.