Environmental Factors

Five environmental factors impacting pollinator populations.

5. Climate Change

There is evidence that climate change is impacting UK pollinator populations on a national level. As weather patterns change, there are effects on the insects themselves and on their favoured habitats and forage plants. 

The potential effects of climate change on bumblebees are much debated, but we may see decreases among some of our more northern and upland species at the same time as gaining others from the south. Indications suggest the Brown-banded Carder Bumblebee (B. humilis), a southern species, is expanding its range north and out competing the Moss Carder Bumblebee (B. muscorum), found in more northern regions in Southern England.

Data gathered by Butterfly Conservation shows that butterflies are already being strongly affected by climate change. Over one-quarter of UK species are spreading north, with butterflies like the Comma moving at 10km per year. 

Learn More:

https://www.nature.com/news/climate-change-crushes-bee-populations-1.17950

https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/butterflies-at-massive-risk-from-climate-change