Recognizing the effects of climate change on honeybees

Abstract

Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) are an essential pollinating species as they are important in building healthy and resilient ecosystems. Honeybees, now found all over the globe, were introduced to North America from Europe many decades ago. Because effects of climate change have begun to arise, it has been more difficult for honeybees to follow their similar activity patterns as in years past, and they have had trouble adapting due to their bodies being ectothermic and the temperature of their surroundings determining their activity. This has led to a severe decline of the species as well as other pollinating species of bees. Climate change has also affected honeybees by affecting the floral resources available to them and has introduced more of their natural enemies. Because significant numbers of honeybee populations are decreasing, researchers have investigated the correlations between climate change and honeybee decline along with declines of other vital bee pollinator species. Investigating the effects of climate change and implementing multiple conservation plans and policies has been a method that has been proven to improve, develop, and enhance pollinators such as wild bees and honeybees, their conservation, and habitat restoration.