Bees facing new threats says University of Reading expert
A new report outlines practical solutions to keep them buzzing
A new report says warzones, microplastics and light pollution pose serious new risks to bees and other pollinators over the next decade.
To coincide with World Bee Day (20 May) a series of practical solutions to keep the insects buzzing have been released.
The report from Bee:wild, a new 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.
Microplastics- 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.
“By acting early, we can reduce harm and help pollinators continue their important work in nature and food production. Various conservation opportunities already exist and more are emerging. This is not just a conservation issue. Pollinators are central to our food systems, climate resilience, and economic security. Protecting pollinators means protecting ourselves.”
The report also outlines some threats that unintentionally stem from climate actions, which could be improved to protect biodiversity at the same time. Planting a mix of flowering trees as well as non-flowering fast-growing trees for carbon capture would restore pollination opportunities. Avoiding pollinator-rich areas and restoring habitats after mining for car battery materials would also help reduce the impact of mining in the long-term.
These steps are among the 12 that the report outlines for pollinator protection. Ranked in order of novelty and impact, the top five are:
Stronger laws limiting antibiotic pollution that harms bee health
Transitioning to electric vehicles to reduce air pollution affecting pollinators
Breeding crops with enhanced pollen and nectar for better pollinator nutrition
Creating flower-rich habitats within solar parks
Developing RNAi-based (Ribonucleic acid) treatments that target pests without harming beneficial insects.