Reacción a "The use, toxicity and ecological harm of pesticides are increasing at the global scale"

The United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) set a target to reduce the risks associated with pesticide use by 50% by 2030, and in 2025 (COP16.2) adopted a new indicator based on Total Applied Toxicity (TAT). The present study, carried out by the research group led by Dr Ralf Schulz, undertook a comprehensive and robust analysis applying the TAT indicator at the global scale for the period 2013–2019 to assess the impacts of pesticides on ecosystems. The study combines global pesticide-use data for 625 pesticides with potential environmental risk across eight species groups, integrating information from seven regulatory authorities, thereby ensuring a high level of global representativeness. The TAT approach is based on two main types of information: pesticide-use data and toxicity metrics. However, the relationship between pesticide use and impacts on biodiversity is complex and mediated by multiple processes. Other indicators attempt to predict environmental concentrations and compare them with toxicity thresholds, but such approaches require a large number of variables, many of which are not yet available at the global scale.

Wolfram et al. calculate TAT by country, crop, species group and pesticide. Their results show that over the study period, TAT increased in six of the eight species groups analysed. The highest TAT intensities are observed in countries such as Brazil, China, Argentina and the United States. Without additional measures, only one country (Chile), among the 65 countries with available national data (representing 79.4% of global cropland), would meet the target of halving pesticide risk by 2030. In terms of crops, fruit and vegetables, maize, soybean, rice and other cereals together account for between 76% and 83% of global TAT.

The authors emphasise that further interventions are required—particularly in countries showing increasing TAT trends—to reverse total applied toxicity levels to those recorded years or even decades ago. This shift entails sustained efforts including integrated biological solutions, precision technologies, appropriate agricultural practices and supportive public policies. Reducing the toxicity of pesticide mixtures is critical to achieving the United Nations target, making it necessary to restrict the use of highly toxic compounds and consider substitution with newer, lower-risk pesticides. In this regard, replacing chemical pesticides with non-chemical alternatives has proven effective in certain contexts, as shown by various studies. Strategies such as crop diversification and improved soil management can help strengthen biodiversity without compromising yields.

Overall, the authors highlight that TAT values are increasing across many countries, crops and species groups, and are expected to continue rising due to factors such as the expansion of agricultural land, production intensification and increasing pest resistance. Reducing reliance on chemical pesticides requires a level of political commitment comparable to that applied in climate-change mitigation policies.

Finally, the authors stress the need to validate pesticide risk indicators. To this end, they consider it essential to prioritise data collection and sharing, including exposure measurements, biodiversity metrics and other relevant parameters. Strengthening the underlying data base will enable better evidence-based decision-making, increasing the effectiveness of policies and strategies aimed at reducing the impacts of pesticides on biodiversity.