Bees face new threats, putting our survival & theirs at risk - University of Reading
Warzones, microplastics and light pollution pose serious new risks to bees and other pollinators over the next decade, according to a landmark report on today’s (Tuesday 20 May) World Bee Day.
The report from Bee:wild, a new science-led global campaign to save pollinators, identifies the top 12 emerging threats that could accelerate pollinator losses within the next 5-15 years, according to ten of the world’s leading experts. It also outlines steps we can take to protect them and reverse the decline.
Pollinators like bees, butterflies, some birds and bats are vital to nature and our food supply with almost 90% of flowering plants and over three-quarters of the world’s staple crops depending on them. But habitat loss, pesticides, climate change and invasive species have caused their severe decline, including the extinction of some bee species.
A wave of new threats is adding further pressure, according to the report: ‘Emerging Threats and Opportunities for Conservation of Global Pollinators.’
These include:
- War and conflict, such as the war in Ukraine, forcing countries to grow fewer crop types and leaving pollinators without diverse food throughout the season.
- Microplastic particles contaminating beehives across Europe, with testing from 315 honey bee colonies revealing synthetic materials like PET plastic in most hives.
- Artificial light at night reducing flower visits by nocturnal pollinators by 62% and inhibiting the crucial role moths and night insects play in pollination.
- Antibiotic pollution potentially contaminating beehives and honey, and affecting the behaviour of pollinators, such as reducing their foraging and visits to flowers.
- Air pollution affecting their survival, reproduction and growth.
- Pesticide cocktails weakening pollinators who increasingly face a dangerous mix of different pesticides, particularly in developing countries.
- More frequent and larger wildfires, destroying habitats and making recovery harder.
The University of Reading’s Professor Simon Potts, lead author and chair of Bee:wild’s Scientific Advisory Board, says: “Identifying new threats and finding ways to protect pollinators early is key to preventing further major declines."