The bumblebee is among the most important pollinators in the world. From wild flora to edibles like tomato and squash, bumblebees are essential to the biodiversity of the planet. However, recently the population of these pollinators has dwindled.

According to a new report released by the Science Journal, you are now almost 50 percent less likely to see a bumblebee in any given area. Due to the decreasing population, scientists are concerned about the wellbeing of plant biodiversity. Moreover, the study put the blame on the “climate chaos” that is ensuing.

Bumblebee Populations Decline by the Decade

In the study done by the Science Journal, researchers utilized an immense amount of records from across North America and Europe. They took into account two time zones: one from 1901 to 1974 and the other from 2000 to 2015. Through these records, they were able to identify a shocking relationship between the warming of the planet and the disappearance of the bumblebees.

Bumblebees inherently prefer cooler and wetter climates. According to multiple studies, the planet has warmed by 1.3 degrees in the past few decades. In addition, that number is dangerously close to the 1.5-degree critical warming threshold. Aside from that, the bumblebees are suffering from the warming of the planet.

The driving force of climate change has already affected many places in North America. For example, bumblebees used to thrive in Ontario, but today they are not found there anymore. As plants wither due to the heat and bees starve, the dependence on these pollinators increases.

How Does the Decline in Pollinators Affect Plant Life?

Pollination is clearly necessary for plant life to flourish and spread. Specific animals like birds, bats, and bees are in charge of helping plants create seeds and fruit. Without pollinators, plants are unable to produce, and biodiversity witnesses a steep decrease.

The loss of bumblebees will lead to the impairment of ecosystems around the world. Furthermore, these ecosystems impact both food and water supplies for human consumers. These devastating effects can only impact other ecosystems, and a cascade of dwindling populations may occur.

What Can Be Done to Help the Bumblebees?

The most helpful thing that can be done for the bumblebees is providing them shelter against the sun, especially on hot days. By providing shelter, bumblebees are able to evade the danger of starving or dying.

Another way to protect bumblebees is by reducing the use of pesticides. Consumers at home can practice minimizing pesticide usage by purchasing locally grown fruits and vegetables. Moreover, consumers can be more mindful and use more non-toxic methods of controlling insects in their homes and gardens.

Bumblebees are already endangered in the United States, and more can be done to help them propagate. They depend on humans and humans depend on them. It is therefore imperative that something is done to slow the warming of the planet.