Dr. Mark Hyman warned of the critical role bees play in sustaining life on Earth in a recent post, echoing a well-known quote about the catastrophic consequences of their extinction. The post builds on research shared by biologist Dr. David Sinclair highlighting the collapse of global bee populations due to industrial agriculture.

“This is an exceptionally significant problem for the future of humanity,” said Mark Hyman, MD in a post on X. “As a famous quote goes: ‘If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.’”

He continued, “We need to shift out of our industrial, agricultural addiction, and return to regenerative practices as was evolved in nature.”

Hyman’s post was in response to a tweet from Dr. David Sinclair that reported on alarming declines in bee populations and the ripple effects that could destabilize ecosystems and global food systems. The warning underscores concerns that the overuse of pesticides, monoculture farming, and environmental degradation are accelerating pollinator collapse.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, nearly 75% of the world’s crops depend at least in part on pollinators like bees. The disappearance of bees would jeopardize the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and animal feed, threatening food security for billions.

Mark Hyman, MD, is a functional medicine doctor and bestselling author who promotes regenerative health and nutrition. He is known for advocating food systems reform and holistic strategies to restore planetary and human health.