Understanding Context: Pressing Ecological Concern

The following passage discusses the essential role of pollinators in ecosystems:

Pollination is a crucial process in the reproduction of many flowering plants. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators accomplish this process by transferring pollen from one flower to another, promoting genetic diversity that is vital for the sustainability of plant species. Without these organisms, many crops would fail to produce fruit, leading to significant economic impacts and a decline in food availability. The decline of pollinator populations is therefore a pressing ecological concern, threatening not only the plants themselves but also the myriad species that rely on them as food sources.

In this context, the term 'pressing ecological concern' can be understood as: