Monarch Mission: A Sustainable Future for Pollinators

Inspiration

Understanding the Impact of Top Pesticides in U.S. Agriculture: A Deep Dive into Health and Environmental Risks

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the long-term impact of pesticide use on both human health and the environment. Pesticides, while critical to modern agriculture, have increasingly been linked to detrimental effects, particularly in sensitive regions like the Midwest, where corn and soybeans dominate the landscape.

Our project focuses on the top four pesticides used in the United States and their relationship with two critical factors: infant mortality and land use patterns. By investigating the intersection between these chemical inputs, soybean and corn farming, and their broader effects on human health and ecosystems, we aim to uncover key insights into how widespread pesticide application may be shaping the future of both agriculture and public well-being.

Key Elements of Our Project Top Four Pesticides in U.S. Agriculture We begin by analyzing the most commonly used pesticides in the U.S., including their chemical composition, application rates, and regions of highest concentration. These pesticides are widely used in large-scale crop production, especially for soybeans and corn, two crops that dominate agricultural land in the Midwest.

Impact on Infant Mortality A core aspect of our study focuses on the correlation between high pesticide usage and increased infant mortality rates. Several studies suggest that chronic exposure to these chemicals, either through drinking water or air pollution, can have severe health consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations like infants. By mapping pesticide usage data against infant mortality rates in affected regions, we hope to better understand this alarming trend.

Land Use Patterns The Midwest's agricultural landscape is a patchwork of farmland, forests, and urbanized areas. Our project delves into how pesticide usage in different land types—such as cropland, urban regions, and forests—affects local ecosystems. We specifically explore how land use decisions may amplify or mitigate the negative consequences of pesticide application, impacting biodiversity and natural habitats.

Midwest Focus: Corn and Soybean Crops The Midwest is the agricultural heartland of the U.S., particularly for corn and soybeans, which account for a significant portion of the region's economic output. Our analysis homes in on these crops to provide a clearer understanding of how pesticide use in these specific agricultural settings affects both local communities and broader environmental health.

The Bigger Picture: Health and Environmental Connections Our research aims to present a holistic view of pesticide impacts—linking the dots between agriculture, health outcomes, and land stewardship. By analyzing data on pesticide application rates, infant mortality, and land use, we hope to provide insights that could inform future regulatory policies, encourage sustainable farming practices, and drive public awareness about the potential risks of heavy chemical reliance in agriculture.

How we built it

Jupiter Notebook, Python, VS, GitHub

Challenges we ran into

Merging datasets was the biggest headache

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Our Maps!

What we learned

We learned that the widespread use of top pesticides in U.S. agriculture, particularly in corn and soybean production, is linked to concerning health risks, including increased infant mortality rates. Land use patterns influence the environmental impact of these pesticides, highlighting the need for sustainable practices and targeted interventions.

What's next for Monarch Mission: A Sustainable Future for Pollinators

Next, we will expand our research to include other key pollinators and examine their relationship with pesticide use, climate change, and habitat loss. We aim to develop actionable strategies for policymakers to promote sustainable agricultural practices and protect biodiversity.

Built With

• api
• github
• jupiternotebook
• powerpoint
• python
• visual-studio