Insects are facing serious threats due to human-caused climate change, extreme heat, and intensive farming practices. Many people may have noticed fewer insects on their car windshields this summer compared to previous years. Globally, insect numbers are declining rapidly, and a large citizen science project has highlighted this trend. The study, which ran from 2021 to 2025, asked participants to clean their car number plates before a trip and then photograph them after the journey, counting the number of insects killed. The results showed a 60% drop in the number of flying insects found on number plates across the UK over five years. On average, each year saw a 19% decrease in the number of insect "splats" recorded. This decline is not limited to the UK; it is also being observed in Europe and in tropical rainforests, which are among the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Agricultural areas are particularly affected, as farming practices can destroy the natural habitats of insects. Scientists estimate that there are more than 10 quintillion insects on the planet, with over a million species already identified and many more yet to be discovered. However, insects are disappearing much faster than other animal groups. A review from 2019 suggested that 40% of insect species are at risk of extinction. Bees, wasps, ants, butterflies, and moths are among the most affected. The causes of the insect decline are varied, including habitat destruction, pollution, disease, and the use of pesticides in agriculture. These chemicals, designed to kill harmful pests, can also harm beneficial insects. Climate change adds to the problem, making it harder for insects to survive. Higher temperatures lead to water shortages, stressed plants, and reduced food availability for insects. In response, insects may try to cool themselves by using water, fanning their wings, or moving to cooler areas. The summer of 2026 was the hottest on record in the UK, with extreme heat, droughts, and wildfires making it even more difficult for insects to survive. As the climate changes, insect communities are shifting, with species from southern Europe moving northward. These changes are affecting the life cycles of insects and the species that depend on them. Some insects are even spreading diseases to new areas as their ranges expand. The loss of insect biodiversity is often called the "sixth mass extinction," a term used to describe the rapid disappearance of species on a large scale. Insects are vital to the environment, helping to control pests, pollinate plants, and break down waste. Without them, ecosystems could become unstable. As the naturalist E.O. Wilson once said, “If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos.” However, insect populations can recover if we take steps to protect them and understand their importance to our planet.