How droughts could starve bees and crops – Earth.com

Impact of Climate Change on Nectar Production and Pollinators: A Sustainable Development Perspective

Introduction

By the end of this century, drought conditions could reduce nectar calories available to bees by up to 95%, severely impacting bees, plants, crops, and agricultural communities. Even moderate rainfall reductions of 30% may cause nectar calorie losses of about one-third, affecting entire ecosystems and food security. These findings have significant implications for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Rainfall, Drought, and Nectar Production

Research conducted by São Paulo State University (UNESP), supported by FAPESP, reveals that rainfall patterns critically influence nectar production and pollinator activity.

1. Increased Rainfall: Nectar calories increased by 74% under higher rainfall conditions, potentially benefiting pollinators and plants.
2. Excessive Rainfall: High frequency and intensity of rainfall can damage plants, disrupt pollinator interactions, and cause soil erosion, threatening agricultural productivity.
3. Drought Conditions: Extended droughts lead to land degradation and reduced crop yields, jeopardizing food security.

These effects highlight the complex relationship between climate variables and ecosystem health, emphasizing the need for climate-resilient agricultural practices aligned with SDG 13 and SDG 15.

Experimental Approach: Controlled Greenhouse Study

The research team conducted controlled experiments on zucchini plants under four watering regimes to simulate varying rainfall scenarios:

• Normal rainfall (control group)
• 30% reduction in water
• 57% increase in water
• Simulated drought followed by extreme rainfall

Each group consisted of 30 plants, observed over 60 days without pollinator access to precisely measure nectar and sugar production. Results from this study provide insights applicable to other crops and natural environments, supporting SDG 2 and SDG 15 by informing sustainable agricultural management.

Effects on Bees and Pollination

Ongoing research is examining how climate change-induced alterations in flower nectar affect bee behavior and pollination efficiency. Understanding these dynamics is critical for maintaining biodiversity and crop production, directly supporting SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Implications for Food Security and Sustainable Development

The study establishes a direct link between climate change, nectar availability, pollinator health, and food production. Key concerns include:

• Potential collapse of pollination mutualisms essential for many crops
• Reduced fruit and seed production impacting global food supplies
• Increased vulnerability of agricultural systems to extreme climate events

Addressing these challenges aligns with SDG 2 by promoting sustainable agriculture and SDG 13 by mitigating climate risks. It also underscores the importance of integrated approaches to conserve pollinators and ecosystems (SDG 15).

Conclusion

This research, published in Scientific Reports, underscores the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies in agriculture to safeguard pollinators and ensure food security. It calls for global efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering resilient ecosystems and sustainable farming practices.

References and Further Information

• São Paulo State University (UNESP)
• Scientific Reports Study
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1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses the impact of drought and rainfall changes on nectar production, pollinators, and crop yields, which directly affect food production and security.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article highlights the effects of climate change, including droughts and extreme rainfall, on ecosystems, pollinators, and agriculture.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article addresses ecosystem health, pollinator populations, and land degradation caused by climate extremes.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through sustainable food production systems.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by drought, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators Related to SDG 2
   • Crop productivity and yields (implied by the discussion on crop production loss due to reduced nectar and pollination).
   • Pollination rates and pollinator population health (implied by the focus on bees and their nectar consumption).
2. Indicators Related to SDG 13
   • Frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts and heavy rainfall (cited from IPCC AR6 report).
   • Adaptive capacity of agricultural systems to climate extremes (implied by research on drought and rainfall effects).
3. Indicators Related to SDG 15
   • Extent of land degradation and soil erosion (implied by discussion on drought leading to land degradation and heavy rainfall causing soil erosion).
   • Population trends of pollinators and biodiversity health (implied by concerns about pollinator activity and plant reproduction).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

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