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April is Animal Month on Big Books and Bold Ideas. But this time, we’re not talking about 

It might not seem like it on a summer night in Minnesota — when mosquitos are swarming your campfire — but Earth’s kingdom of insects is diminishing so rapidly, scientists have declared it a crisis. 

 in published in Biological Conservation found that 40 percent of all insect species are declining globally and a third of them are endangered.

The reasons why are myriad. And while it might be tempting to hope for a planet without wasps that sting and roaches in the kitchen, journalist Oliver Milman says human beings would be in big trouble without insects.

Bugs play critical roles in pollinating plants, breaking down waste and laying the base of a food chain that other animals rely on — including us. 

This week, on Big Books and Bold Ideas, host Kerri Miller talked with Milman about his new book, “The Insect Crisis.” They explored what’s causing the decline and what can be done about it — and discuss some fun facts about insects, too. 

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

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Environmental journalist Oliver Milman says we are experiencing an unprecedented crisis in the world of insects. And it’s bad news for humans, too. 

Environmental journalist Oliver Milman on why you should care about 'The Insect Crisis'

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