A New Phrase I Wish I Didn’t Know!
I suddenly realised the other day that my children (some of whom are teenagers) have never seen a car windshield (or windscreen :-/ if you are in the UK) covered in squashed bugs. “Good” you might say what a horrible thing to show a child. But really it is very worrying that they don’t know that this used to be normal in the UK during the summer, and its absence is not a great sign with regard to the UK’s levels of biodiversity.
Shifting Baselines
Example: Imagine a child growing up in a city with smog-filled skies. They may not realize the air quality is unhealthy because it’s their “normal.” This is the essence of shifting baseline syndrome: each generation accepts the current state of the environment as the baseline, even if it’s degraded compared to the past.
Windscreens of the Past
The Windshield phenomenon, also known as the Windscreen phenomenon, refers to the observation that fewer dead insects seem to accumulate on the windshields and front bumpers of cars compared to past decades. It’s become a common anecdotal observation among drivers, particularly those who have been driving for many years.
While the phenomenon itself is quite noticeable, the reasons behind it are complex and multifaceted. Here are some of the leading explanations:
1. Decline in insect populations:
- This is arguably the most concerning explanation. Studies across the globe have documented a significant decline in insect populations, with some estimates suggesting a drop of up to 75% in some regions since the 1990s.
- This decline is attributed to several factors, including habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and urbanization, excessive pesticide use, climate change, and light pollution.
2. Changes in driving habits and car designs:
- Modern cars tend to be more aerodynamic and have smoother front ends, which might make it less likely for insects to hit the windshield directly.
- Additionally, increased highway speeds and changes in driving routes may also play a role, as insects are less likely to encounter cars at certain speeds or on specific roads.
3. Observer bias:
- It’s possible that the Windshield phenomenon is partly due to our own perception. As people become aware of the decline in insect populations, they might be more likely to notice the absence of insects on their windshields, even if the actual number hasn’t changed significantly. However, I would have thought a long drive in the summer would yield a few casualties, so driving from Devon to Scotland without killing a single bug. . . that is a bit of a coincidence.
The implications of the Windshield phenomenon are worrisome:
- Insects play crucial roles in ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and prey for other animals. A significant decline in their populations could have cascading effects on entire ecosystems, impacting food webs and potentially even affecting human food security.
Therefore, it’s important to take the Windshield phenomenon seriously and investigate the causes behind it further.
More research is needed to understand the full extent of the decline in insect populations and to develop effective conservation strategies.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- The Windshield phenomenon is not a definitive indicator of insect decline on its own. More comprehensive studies are needed to confirm the trends and their underlying causes.
- While the phenomenon might be partly due to observer bias, it’s still a valuable observation that raises awareness about the potential threat to insect populations.
- Conservation efforts focused on protecting insect habitats, reducing pesticide use, and mitigating climate change are crucial to addressing the broader issue of insect decline.
Remember, even small changes in our individual habits, like choosing organic produce and opting for sustainable gardening practices, can contribute to a healthier planet for insects and ourselves.