In Chapter 7, we look at bugs. They’re the most plentiful creatures on Earth – at nearly 10 quintillion. Largely seen as pests, we spend >$240 billion annually eradicating them. So what’s the problem? We’ve been too effective. Insect numbers have plummeted by 50% since 1970, putting at risk thousands of species, including humans. How many more bugs can we afford to lose? No one knows. That’s the economics of extinction.
