What effect does climate change have on bee susceptibility?

Climate change has significant effects on bee health, notably leading to increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. As climate patterns shift, bees face greater challenges, including altered flowering times and availability of forage plants, which can stress bee populations. Warmer temperatures and changes in weather patterns can also facilitate the proliferation of pests and pathogens that affect bees.

For instance, higher temperatures can support the life cycles of parasitic mites, such as Varroa destructor, which are detrimental to bee colonies. Additionally, stress factors associated with climate change, such as droughts or excessive rainfall, can weaken bees' immune responses, making them more vulnerable to infections and diseases.

Moreover, changes in climatic conditions can disrupt the ecological balance necessary for bees to thrive, compounding the pressures on their overall health. This interconnectedness of climate change and bee health emphasizes the heightened risks bees face as environmental conditions become increasingly unstable.