Bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, and other pollinators are more harmed by air pollution than the pests that destroy agricultural crops, according to a study by the University of Reading, UK. Researchers analyzed data from 120 scientific articles on 40 types of insects from 19 countries to understand the potential effects of air pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. When subject to heavy pollution, especially high ozone concentrations, the number of pollinators fell by 39%, while the number of aphids and other pests remained almost unchanged. “Air pollution is an underappreciated threat to the insects that make our lives easier,” said James Ryalls, the leader of the study, in a statement. “The bees that pollinate our flowers and the wasps that provide natural pest control are at risk of further decline if air pollution levels are not addressed.” The scientists hypothesize that air pollutants may alter the smells that pollinators use to locate flowers or find mates (Nature Communications and University of Reading, July 11).
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