Chapter 10: Proposals for the Future—What We Can Learn from the History of Neonicotinoids
10-1 A Paradigm Shift in Pesticide Development
The history of neonicotinoids symbolizes the process by which the focus of pesticide development has shifted from "efficacy" to "safety." Moving forward, it is necessary to shift away from reliance on a single, powerful insecticide toward a direction that combines diverse, targeted, and low-environmental-impact pest control technologies. The application of new scientific technologies, such as genome editing, RNAi (RNA interference) technology, microbial pesticides, and pheromone agents, is anticipated.
10-2 Advancing Risk Assessment and Applying the Precautionary Principle
There is an urgent need to establish methods for evaluating not only conventional acute toxicity but also sub-lethal effects, combined effects, and long-term impacts at the ecosystem level. Furthermore, even when there is uncertainty in scientific knowledge, the application of the precautionary principle—acting preventively if there is a possibility of serious harm—should be considered more actively. In particular, a more comprehensive perspective is required for assessing impacts on biodiversity and effects transmitted through the food chain.
10-3 Dialogue Between Science, Policy, and Civil Society
The pesticide issue is a complex social problem involving diverse actors, including scientists, policymakers, pesticide companies, producers, consumers, and environmental NGOs. A forum for dialogue is essential to reconcile the opinions and interests of each party and to build consensus across society as a whole. Information disclosure and education that convey scientific findings in an accessible manner and enable citizens to participate proactively in discussions are also important.
10-4 Transitioning to a Sustainable Food System
The neonicotinoid issue has highlighted the vulnerabilities inherent in modern food systems. While monoculture and large-scale agriculture that rely excessively on chemical pesticides contribute to short-term productivity gains, they may threaten long-term ecosystem health and food security. A transition toward more sustainable and resilient food systems, such as organic farming, agroecology, and circular agriculture, is required.
10-5 Japan's Role and International Cooperation
Japan has played a significant role in the development of neonicotinoids and finds itself in a unique situation regarding their usage and regulation. Moving forward, Japan should more actively incorporate international scientific findings and regulatory trends, and promote policies that serve as a model for sustainable agriculture in the Asian region. It is expected that Japan will contribute to solving global environmental problems through international research cooperation and information sharing.
10-6 Learning from History—Lessons for the Future
The history of neonicotinoids raises universal questions about the benefits brought by scientific and technological progress, the unintended consequences that accompany them, and how society accepts and manages these developments. We are now called upon to learn from past experiences and to exercise the wisdom and action necessary to build a wiser future.