In the Media

Ivette Perfecto, a professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), has been selected to serve on the Status of Insects in North America ad hoc study committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. 

The study committee will conduct a study to assess trends in insect abundance and identify research priorities to suggest actions that can slow insect losses in vulnerable areas most critical for ecosystem function. 

Critical issues that will be focused on in the study include:

• Finding evidence for long-term downward changes in abundance and diversity of insects.
• Identifying locations where projected insect losses are most severe, which are most at risk and what stressors are causing the declines.
• Revealing actual economic, ecological and evolutionary consequences of historic declines while projecting the consequences.
• Understanding what research and monitoring needs should be prioritized.
• Identifying actions that can be taken to mitigate declines and the potential associated ecosystem function losses.

In addition to Perfecto, who is the Bunyan Bryant Collegiate Professor of Environmental Justice at SEAS, the committee includes 17 members representing a wide range of expertise and institutions.