What happens when bees go on strike?

There are about 20,000 species of bees in the world, each with unique flight patterns and flower preferences. Many have co-evolved with specific plants so perfectly that their size, shape, and behaviour match the flowers they pollinate.

A world without bees

Imagine waking up to find every flower shut tight, no honey on your toast, and not a single bee in sight. The once cheerful garden stands silent — no buzzing, no gentle flutter among the petals. Scientists warn that if bees disappeared, thousands of plants would go unpollinated. Some, like the bee orchid, depend entirely on specific bees and would vanish without them. Others would set fewer seeds, changing entire ecosystems and even causing some animals, like bee-eater birds, to lose their main source of food.

Immediate consequences

Without bees to transfer pollen from one flower to another, plants can’t reproduce effectively. Flowers start to wither, and fruit- and vegetable-bearing plants fail to produce crops. Blueberries and cherries, for example, rely on honeybees for up to 90% of their pollination. Soon, market shelves would lose apples, cucumbers, berries, and more. Honey production would grind to a halt, leaving jars empty in shops. Even industries that rely on honey — from bakeries to ice cream makers — would feel the sting, as favourite flavours disappear.

Not all food would vanish

The loss of bees would not cause famine — most of the world’s staple foods like rice, wheat, and corn are wind-pollinated. But it would dramatically reduce the variety of fresh produce available and make fruits, nuts, and vegetables costlier and harder to find. Human nutrition would also suffer without this diversity in our diet. While hand-pollination is possible, it’s extremely labour-intensive and costly. Robotic pollinator drones have been tested in Japan, but they remain far too expensive for large-scale use.

Why bees are in trouble

Sadly, bee populations worldwide are in decline. Honeybees are affected by colony collapse disorder, where hives suddenly lose their adult bees. Bumblebees and other solitary species are also disappearing due to pesticide and herbicide use, habitat loss, and global warming. Some species, like the rusty patched bumblebee, are even listed as endangered.

To prevent this crisis, communities are taking action. Farmers are cutting down on harmful pesticides that interfere with bee health and navigation. Gardeners and city planners are planting wildflowers and native plants to provide nectar-rich food sources. Protecting natural habitats and raising awareness about the role of pollinators are also key. As conditions improve, bee populations recover, bringing colour, life, and food back to gardens, fields, and markets.