Many of us view bees as a nuisance, but in reality, they are crucial to our survival and are alarmingly close to extinction. These small insects play a vital role in feeding 90% of the global population, and their removal from the ecosystem could result in a catastrophic collapse. You don’t need to be an environmental activist to make a difference—there are simple steps we can all take to support the environment.

Zoologist and celebrated broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, known for his lifelong dedication to nature and wildlife, has issued an urgent message about the importance of bees. On Facebook, he shared a warning: “If bees were to disappear from the face of the earth, humans would have just four years left to live.” While not a new revelation, his statement serves as a stark reminder of the critical issue we face.

Bees are responsible for pollinating over a third of the food we consume. However, in the past five years alone, the bee population has declined by a staggering one-third. Despite the grim statistics, there are simple actions we can take to help.

Attenborough suggests an easy yet effective way to assist bees: prepare a mixture of sugar and water and leave it in your backyard. This small gesture can help revive exhausted bees. He explains, “Bees often appear to be dying or dead during this time of year, but they’re usually just tired and need energy to return to their hive.”

To revive a fatigued bee, mix two tablespoons of white granulated sugar with one tablespoon of water and place it on a spoon within their reach. In addition, planting flowers on your balcony or allowing wildflowers to grow in a section of your lawn can create a haven for bees, giving them a much-needed boost.

By taking these simple steps and sharing this information, we can contribute to protecting bees and ensuring a sustainable future for both them and humanity.