查看文章

In response to evidence that neonicotinoids are lethal to nontarget pollinator insects and therefore have major impacts on biodiversity (1, 2), the European Union banned their use in member countries in April 2018 (3). However, in December 2018, Danish authorities decided to allow the use of neonicotinoids in beet fields to avoid an estimated loss of 10 to 23% of harvested crops (4). They reasoned that bees are not put at risk by this decision because beets do not flower (5). Despite this justification, Denmark’s use of neonicotinoids sets a dangerous precedent for EU member countries. Although disregarding the EU ban against neonicotinoids is technically legal, Danish lawmakers should set an example for other European countries by supporting it instead of appeasing agricultural lobbying organizations (5). Upholding the ban will help Denmark manage and protect its own ecosystems and environment as well as …