Did you know it’s actually quite difficult to wipe out the human species?

Does investigating “total annihilation” make me a bad person? Well, in my defense, it was book research.

At first, I considered a meteor. However, in the unlikely event of an asteroid hitting Earth, it’d have to be pretty big and may only affect one continent, depending on the place of impact. There is the chance of a large one causing devastation, but as such strikes happen once in a million years, there’s no cause for panic.

Mega-tsunamis are a film favorite—they look impressive on screen. And we know they cause awful destruction. But still, not on a global scale. Worst-case scenario, it’d wipe out 100 million, it’s still not good, but it’s not the entire human population either.

What about a super-volcano such as the one in Yellowstone National Park? It’d definitely affect the United States in a serious way. Most of the U.S. would be covered in a blanket of ash. Electrical transformers would short out. And respiratory problems would rise. Building integrity would be compromised. Sewer and water lines would get clogged—ew. North America’s electronic communications would go down. And air travel would stop.

But sorry, that’s still only one part of the world. It’s possible Europe would receive a bit of a rough time with the after-effects, and world food production would suffer for a few years. I would hope we have a good stock of supplies.

Incidentally, I read that Twinkies are indeed nuclear-war proof, lasting 30-plus years. As do fizzy drinks. The future could be tasty, but very unhealthy! Whilst I’m talking about food, honey lasts indefinitely; you’ll discover the irony of that in a minute. Powdered milk, dried beans, white rice, pasta, and rolled oats are also good “disaster contingency foods.” Sorry to sidetrack, but given 2020’s track record, this may be useful information.

This is all fascinating, but you are probably asking what would cause our great demise, akin to that of dinosaurs (who didn’t all disappear at once by the way). Well, gather close and I’ll tell you—it’s the teeny tiny bee!

Let Me Explain:

The humble bee pollinates 70 of the 100 crop species that feeds 90 percent of the world. Stop. Reread that. That’s equal to around $30 billion worth of crops—all thanks to our stripy friends.

But they are under threat—from Varrao Mites and our pesticides. Oops!

If we allow them to go extinct, our crops will fail on a catastrophic level. Picture barren fields, then landslides, and a diminished freshwater supply as trees become scarce.

As I surmise in my book, global famine would probably lead to war. And you just know we’d “go nuclear.” In that case, we would have very, very few human survivors.

So, fans of “Heroes“, forget the cheerleader.

Save the bees, and save the world!

How You Can Help:

Next time you see a bee on a surface looking sorry for itself, mix up some sugar water and put it on a shallow spoon to help reenergize the little fella.

And, if possible, plant flowers in your garden that they like, suggestions include: Oregon checker-mallow, alliums, apple or cherry trees, borage, clover, dandelions, holly, lavender, mints, rosemary, and sage.

Avoid using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers—use organic products and compost instead.

Fill a shallow bowl with water and add pebbles—bees will be able to safely stop and have a swift drink whilst on their vital polleny mission.

Build a beehouse, you can buy kits online.

Find a Sponsor-A-Hive opportunity—have a search online for ones near you.

The best way to help—which is why it’s last—is to eat local honey and buy local beeswax products. Lovely for you, and supportive of your local beekeepers.

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