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Ghosts in the Green Machine

Radiolab

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Bees, Apples, and Economic Realities

This chapter examines the decline of bee populations in Mao County, China, and its ramifications for local apple orchards, highlighting the unexpected role of human pollinators. It details efforts by farmers using handmade tools for pollination, revealing a surprising increase in apple yield compared to traditional bee pollination. The narrative raises critical questions about biodiversity, economic practices, and the intrinsic value of nature in the modern agricultural landscape.

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