Emily Chan
Next, Frank explored how an increase in pesticide use correlated with an increase in infant mortality, which is a common marker in studying the health impacts of environmental pollution.
He discovered that infant mortality rates in those same places rose by eight percent, which translates to an additional 1,334 infant deaths.
The study also demonstrated that chemical pesticides are not as good at keeping pests away as bats, and they have a negative impact on society in more ways than one.
Between 2006 and 2017, the estimated combined cost to farmers in regions affected by bat die-offs was $26.9 billion.
In addition, there were $12.4 billion in damages from infant mortality. Overall, the total societal cost from the bat die-offs came out to $39.6 billion.
“When bats are no longer there to do their job in controlling insects, the costs to society are very large—but the cost of conserving bat populations is likely smaller,” Frank said.
“More broadly, this study shows that wildlife adds value to society, and we need to better understand that value in order to inform policies to protect them.”
The study was published in the journal Science.
