Honeybees Are Disappearing - Is the Answer Right Under Our Noses?

Since the mysterious disappearance of honeybees began two years ago, scientists have scrambled to find the cause. Termed Colony Collapse Disorder, the phenomenon continues to puzzle beekeepers and entomologists alike, though a number of possible causes are under investigation.

Russ George, writing for TreeHugger.com, suggests the answer might be right under our noses - literally. Today's atmospheric CO2 levels are a full 40% higher than they were a century ago.

One could not more divinely design a 'CO2 canary' for our planetary coal mine than the incredible, improbable bee. Every feature of form and function in bees focuses their evolution on living and managing with a slightly high CO2 level common to their hives - but not so high as our present air.

In making his argument, George refers to past research on honeybees and CO2 levels, which demonstrated that "bees exposed to high CO2 become incapable of performing their normally incredible navigation skills and become lost bees."

What do you think is causing Colony Collapse Disorder?