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Do we really need pesticides? - Fernan Pérez-Gálvez

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TEDEd Animation

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Annually, we shower over 5 billion pounds of pesticides across the Earth to control insects, unwanted weeds, funguses, rodents, and bacteria that may threaten our food supply. But is it worth it, knowing what we do about the associated environmental and public health risks? Fernan Pérez-Gálvez weighs the pros and cons of pesticides.

Today, ladybugs are used to control aphids (a pest that suck sap from plants), just like predatory ants were used to control pests in Chinese orchards. What could be the advantages and disadvantages of using insects to combat pests?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Fernan Pérez-Gálvez
  • Director Emily Collins
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Compositor Marisha Falkovich
  • Designer Minkyung Chung
  • Producer Jessica Peterson
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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