Semantics of the insect decline narrative: recommendations for communicating insect conservation to peer and public audiences

Abstract

<ol><li>Ambiguous or misleading language can affect science communication with peer and public audiences, with potentially damaging impacts on policy and public engagement.</li><li>The word decline can be value-laden and has inherent negative connotations. It is not always the most appropriate term to use for effective science communication to promote insect biodiversity and conservation issues.</li><li>We recommend four key questions to consider when deciding whether the term <i>insect decline</i> is appropriate to use.</li><li>Evidence-based insect conservation depends on public and political support. Moving forward, researchers and communicators should be mindful that the inherent diversity of insects demands a nuanced and diverse scientific discussion, not an ambiguous and generalised one.</li></ol>