Rising temperatures are increasing the damage of agricultural pests around the world. The Guardian I mentioned.
What is happening?
A study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment found that if global temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), wheat crops could see pest-related losses increase by about 46%.
Maize crop losses may increase by 31%, while rice crop losses may jump by about 19%.
Insects, including aphids, caterpillars, locusts and planthoppers, thrive as temperatures rise.
Hotter average temperatures speed up their life cycles, enable them to produce more offspring annually, and extend feeding seasons as the colder months slowly recede.
These insects began to move to mountainous regions and northern latitudes where they were not able to survive before.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
Professor Dan Pepper, from the University of Exeter, said: “The world is focusing on these major grains, such as wheat, rice, corn and soybeans, which is a very simplified and weak system.”
The researchers noted that their estimates were conservative because they only examined insects that target grain crops.
Why is crop pest damage a concern?
According to the researchers, insects and plant diseases already destroy about four out of every 10 crops harvested worldwide, “creating a major challenge to global food security.”
The repercussions are hitting Farmers and shoppers both.
When harvests dwindle, food prices rise, putting pressure on household budgets and threatening the livelihoods of agricultural workers.
Countries in temperate regions, including the United States and much of Europe, are likely to experience the most severe spikes in pest activity. Conventional agriculture’s reliance on chemicals has harmed insects and animals that naturally control pests, making crops more vulnerable.
“We’ve been living on borrowed time, but we’re headed toward a tough time, and we’ve got to do things differently,” Bieber warned.
What can be done about damage to crops?
Directly supporting biodiversity is one of the most effective ways to fight back.
Some wasps, along with birds and other wildlife, prey on insects that destroy crops and help reduce their numbers when habitats remain healthy.
If you have enough outdoor space, planting native flowers and shrubs that attract beneficial insects can help.
Choosing not to use pesticides in your garden also protects these little allies, as it does Buy from local farmers Who practice diverse growth methods.
When shoppers support sustainable and resilient agriculture, it reduces reliance on single-crop systems that pests can more easily exploit.
Get free TCD newsletters for easy tips to save more, reduce waste, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD exclusives Rewards Club.