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Scientists and environmentalists are alarmed by the drastic decline in insect populations. The report interviews experts, farmers, scientists, chemical companies and politicians to find out the cause of the insect death. Who likes insects? They sting, transmit diseases and frighten children. But they are also fascinating: insects were the first living beings to learn to fly. They conquered the planet 480 million years ago. They represent the most successful model of evolution and form the basis of life on Earth to this day, as they are at the beginning of a food chain on which humans also depend. But there are fewer and fewer insects worldwide, and the food chain threatens to break down. Environmentalists and scientists are sounding the alarm, for example Alexandra-Maria Klein from Freiburg. The committed professor of landscape ecology has been researching changes in natural environments due to human intervention for decades. On a fruit plantation on Lake Constance, she has undertaken an experiment. What would happen if insects disappeared? In more and more places where there was once a constant buzzing, an alarming silence now reigns. Why do insects die? Reporter Christoph Würzburger investigates these questions and embarks on a journey into the fascinating world of insects. He speaks to entomologists, farmers, renowned scientists, chemical companies and politicians. He accompanies environmentalist Alexandra-Maria Klein and other scientists in their quest to uncover the causes of mass insect die-offs. ------------------------------------------------------------ DW Documentary brings you information beyond the headlines. Marvel at the best documentaries from German channels and international production companies. Meet enigmatic people, travel to far-off lands and understand the complexities of modern life - all with a focus on global events and current affairs. Subscribe to DW Documentary and discover the world around you every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to DW Documentary: /dwdocumental Our other YouTube channels: DW Documentary: /dwdocumentary DW Documentary Arabic: /dwdocarabia For more information, please visit: http://www.dw.com/zonadocu http://www.dw.com/primerplano http://www.dw.com/español Instagram: /dwdocumentary Facebook: /dw.stories DW Netiquette: http://p.dw.com/p/14KkY