Scientists have identified 12 emerging threats to the global bee population, including war zones, microplastics, and street lights. A report by the University of Reading warns that increasing conflict worldwide is harming bees, with the war in Ukraine reducing crop diversity and forcing countries to grow fewer food types.
Microplastic particles are contaminating beehives across Europe, while artificial light from street lamps reduces flower visits by 62%. Air pollution affects their survival, reproduction, and growth. Antibiotics used in agriculture have also made their way into beehives and honey, impacting pollinators’ behavior and reducing foraging.
The report calls for stronger laws to limit antibiotic pollution, transitioning to electric vehicles to reduce air pollution, creating flower-rich habitats within solar parks, and breeding crops with enhanced pollen and nectar. Experts stress the need for individual actions like providing food and nesting areas in gardens to complement policy changes and create pollinator-friendly habitats worldwide.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/20/bees-threats-war-microplastics