Air pollution might be contributing to bees dying and disappearing.

Air pollution, caused by our actions such as driving big honkin’ cars, could very well be changing the chemical make up of flowers. In short, flowers may no longer smell like flowers. This is a problem for bees who rely on their sense of smell for navigation and resulting pollination.

From LiveScience - Study: Flowers Losing Smell

“The scent molecules produced by flowers in a less polluted environment, such as in the 1800s, could travel for roughly 1,000 to 1,200 meters [3,300 to 4,000 feet]; but in today’s polluted environment downwind of major cities, they may travel only 200 to 300 meters [650 to 980 feet],” said study team member Jose D. Fuentes.

With flowers no longer advertising their presence over as large an area, pollinators are forced to search farther and longer to pick up the hint of their scent. They may also have to rely more on their sight than what they smell.

What we can do about air pollution?
We can debate about the details of disappearing bees and global warming and continue down that non-productive road. Or we can acknowledge that our actions are poisonous to our environment and to ourselves and take proper actions.

Tips to go green

• Drive less, bicycle and walk more = less air pollution
• Drive a more fuel efficient car = less air pollution
• Keep your car maintained = less air pollution