Rising temperatures are causing a decline in large bees and cavity-nesting comb builders, posing a threat to ecosystems. Large bees, like bumblebees, are particularly vulnerable due to their lower heat tolerance.
This decline can disrupt plant pollination, impacting ecosystems and food crops. Climate change is also driving a decline in insect populations, with nearly half of all species decreasing and a third at risk of extinction by the century's end. Can technology help solve problems the bees are facing?
Innovative Tech Firm Aims to Revolutionize Crop Pollination, Reducing Reliance on Bees
Tech at Work: Mechanical Pollination Decreases Reliance on Bees
BloomX, an Israeli tech firm founded by Thai Sade, has developed innovative technology for mechanical pollination of crops as an alternative to relying solely on bees. While not aiming to replace bees, the company's devices offer more efficient pollination methods, reducing dependence on commercial honeybees.
Many crops globally depend on pollinators, primarily bees, for fruit and seed production. Bee populations face multiple threats, including climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use, impacting food production.
BloomX's technology, including "Robee" and "Crossbee" devices, is currently focused on blueberries and avocados, increasing yields by around 30% and working even when bee populations are low. Controlled by AI-based software with GPS tools and sensors, these devices are used in several countries to optimize pollination.
The almond industry in California, which accounts for 80% of global almond production and is worth around $10.4 billion a year, heavily relies on honeybee pollination. Bees are trucked to California from various parts of the US for this purpose, resulting in potential shortages of honeybees in other crop pollination efforts across the country.
Artificial pollination could help alleviate this issue and reduce the stress on honeybee colonies. Lisa Wasko DeVetter, an associate professor of horticulture at Washington State University, highlights the economic importance of almond pollination for beekeepers but notes the potential negative effects on other crops due to bee shortages.
Eylam Ran, the CEO of Edete, emphasizes that such technologies can ease the pressure on bees by not forcing them into monoculture environments and allow them to naturally harvest while still meeting human demand for fruits and vegetables.
Israeli tech firms like BloomX and Edete are pioneering artificial pollination technologies. Edete's approach involves storing pollen for several years and using machinery to apply it with precision to crops like almonds and pistachios.
However, Diane Drinkwater from the British Beekeepers Association contends that artificial pollination may not be necessary if bee health and welfare are prioritized, as bees have effectively pollinated crops for millions of years, and they play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting beekeeper livelihoods.
READ ALSO: About 25% of All Bee Species 'Unseen' Since 1990
How Climate Change Affects Bees
An analysis of more than 20,000 bees in the US found that climate-induced changes in temperature, snowpack, and summer precipitation could significantly alter bee communities.
The most significant reductions in bee populations were observed among larger bee species, including bumblebees, leafcutters, and mason bees, which were particularly affected by higher temperatures. Bumblebees, in particular, were identified as being highly threatened by climate warming compared to other bee species.
Bumblebees, with their large body size and nesting behavior, were deemed more vulnerable in a warming world. Researchers highlighted that climate-driven alterations in pollinator communities could lead to cascading effects on pollination and ecosystem functioning.
These effects could include the loss of bumblebees, known for their ability to travel longer distances for food, potentially impacting global food security by reducing long-distance pollination.
The decline in larger bee populations mirrored trends found in other regions of the US, indicating that similar patterns affect bee populations across various locations. While climate change is one factor contributing to bee declines, the primary drivers of bee extinction are currently habitat loss and pesticide use.
RELATED ARTICLE: Honey Bee Population Continues to Decline As Insecticide Use Gets Worse
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