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Coffee and cocoa plants at risk from pollinator loss
A new study has shed light on the abundance of insect pollinators, warning of potential threats to the future of key tropical crops. The research explores the intricate interplay between climate change and its impact on pollinator biodiversity, ultimately revealing significant implications for global crop pollination.
The study, which compiled data from 2,673 crop growing sites around the world and catalogued 3,080 insect pollinator species, exposes a concerning trend – the combined pressures of climate change and agricultural activities have led to substantial declines in both the abundance and richness of insect pollinators.
Crops which depend on pollination by insects to some degree make up around 75% of crops.The model created by the research team looked at which pollination dependent crops were most at threat all the way up to 2050 in the hope of providing a warning to both the agricultural and conservation communities.
Lead author Joe Millard, Postdoctoral Researcher, NERC GLiTRS, at the Natural History Museum London, said, ‘Our research indicates that the tropics are most at risk when it comes to crop production, primarily due to pollinator losses caused by climate change and land-use changes. While localised risks are highest in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, northern South America, and south-east Asia, the implications of this extend globally via the trade in pollination dependent crops.’
The tropics were identified as having a heightened vulnerability to climate change meaning crops such a coffee, cocoa, mango and watermelon which all rely on insect pollination are at the greatest risk. These crops play vital roles in both local economies and global trade and their reduction could cause increased income insecurity for millions of small-scale farmers in these regions.
Joe continues, ‘As insects decline, due to being unable to cope with the interacting effects of climate change and land-use, so too will the crops that rely on them as pollinators. In some cases, these crops could be pollinated by hand but this would require more labour and more cost.’
The study also underscores the importance of pollinator abundance and richness in delivering pollination services.. It is evident that efforts to mitigate climate change could significantly reduce the risk to future crop production, but challenges remain.
As the world grapples with the intricate web of climate change, land use, and biodiversity loss, this study serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the critical role played by pollinators in sustaining agriculture and food security.
The paper Key tropical crops at risk from pollinator loss due to climate change and land use is published in the journal Science Advances.
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