How Many Insects Are Exploited by Humanity Every Year?

In this article, the author provides estimates on the number of insects exploited by various industries such as food, cosmetics, research, fashion, and furniture. Insects are the most diverse group of animals, making them more likely to be exploited by humans due to their sheer numbers. The exploitation of insects ranges from using them in scientific research to producing silk, pigments, resins, and honey. The author estimates that over 50 trillion individual insects are exploited annually by humanity, making insects the most exploited animals in the world.

The author highlights the importance of considering insect rights in addition to the rights of other animals. They point out that ethical vegans who avoid contributing to insect exploitation through their food and product choices are making a significant impact. Overall, the article sheds light on the immense scale of insect exploitation and emphasizes the need to advocate for insect rights as part of the larger animal rights movement.