Letter in Eastern Daily Press on use of chemical pesticides

Letter by Eleanor Laming published in the Eastern Daily Press on Friday 10 March 2023 on the used of chemical pesticides. The text is as follows:

10/3/23

Dear Sir
I note that neonicotinoids have been approved for emergency use on sugar beet yet again by the government (EDP 4 March 2023) and Norfolk County Council approved the controlled (but 50% reduced) use of gylphosphate-based herbicides on our highways in January 2023.   This is a highly complex issue but it comes down to a sad clash between the drive for economic growth and human convenience, and our environment, which, if not guarded closely can be damaged beyond repair.  The debate on use of man-made chemicals to control environmental situations has reminded me of a book I have recently read called Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. It was published in 1962 and describes the absolutely shocking and relatively indiscriminate use of pesticides in the USA.  Decisions were taken by those in authority to spray highly potent pesticides across large areas in an attempt to remove insects and other wildlife which were having a damaging impact on crops and trees.  Unfortunately, these chemicals entered all parts of the ecological chain, killing birds and fish,  and causing serious ill health to humans, animals and plants.  The description of the effects of these chemicals is shocking, but publication of the book and actions taken by others fortunately led to much higher controls over chemical use.

Humans may think they have control over their environment, but often their interventions have unwanted and unforeseen long term effects. Chemical sprays may work  in the short term but in the long term could well significantly reduce both the numbers and the health of pollinator populations.  This is already happening as biodiversity is under threat from habitat loss, land use change, climate change and chemical use.  When nature is exposed to man-made chemicals and not completely decimated,  it will fight back to ensure that future wildlife populations are resistant to those chemicals, causing a much more serious problem.

Rachel Carson’s book still has relevance today, even 60 years after it was published.  It served to sound a warning bell and to remind us that we are part of nature and not above it, something we still need to remember today.

Kind Regards
Eleanor Laming