Prof Dave Goulson presented on the decline of bumble bee populations due to the widespread use of neonicotinoids (NNCDs). NNCDs are systemic pesticides that permeate the entire plant and are extremely lethal to bees, even at very low doses. Studies show NNCDs can damage bee cognitive abilities and have led to an 85% reduction in queen production. While pesticides are often blamed for bee declines, habitat loss from agricultural intensification is likely the largest driver. The political influence of large agrochemical companies has pushed for intensive pesticide usage despite evidence of their environmental impacts. Recently the EU implemented a moratorium on NNCDs in hopes of reviewing farming practices and moving to a more