The ‘Bugging Effect’ of Climate Change

India swelters under the relentless grip of a scorching heatwave. Naturally, our instinctive responses include seeking solace in the cool embrace of air conditioning, indulging in refreshing cold beverages, or even resorting to the comforting chill of ice. Amidst our struggles to beat the heat, let us pause to consider the silent suffering of our subterranean comrades.

Beneath the ground, where the impact of climate change looms ominously like a gathering storm, one may wonder about the minuscule beings, whose existence teeters on the brink of oblivion.

Furthermore, recent reports have illuminated a unique emergence of cicadas in the USA, a phenomenon occurring ahead of schedule. Climate change appears to have drastically altered their traditional arrival patterns, transforming these resilient creatures into harbingers of ecological disruption. So, let’s understand from Dr. Pramod Mall, Professor at G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology how this climate emergency may be impacting the insects and biodiversity in India.

He says, “The current temperature will impact the population of insects shortly. Besides, soil insects will be affected. It will suppress their population and the crops will also be obstructed. Moreover, such a dry situation may be beneficial to some pest populations – hence, the dangers about healthy crops will only increase.”

He continues, “In India, we have different climatic conditions. Thus, mainly paddy is the crop that needs the most attention. Farmers must bear in mind that toxic chemicals and their overdose are not healthy crops. They must not go by the shopkeeper’s advice while selecting crop care methods but rather seek guidance from scientists and KVK-Heads.”

As the Earth is becoming warmer due to human-induced climate change, it has significant impacts on the livelihood of insects. Warmer temperatures can alter insect life cycles, behavior, and distribution patterns. While some insects may thrive in warmer conditions, leading to population increases and potential pest outbreaks in agricultural settings, others may struggle to adapt, facing habitat loss or reduced food availability. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can also disrupt ecological relationships, affecting pollination, herbivory, and decomposition processes, which are essential for ecosystem health and function.

Overall, the warming climate poses various challenges and uncertainties for insect populations and the ecosystems they inhabit.