Future of bees at risk as temperatures rise, Trump to cut research funds
Summary
Isaac Barnes, a beekeeper, faces challenges managing his honeybee hives as increasing global temperatures affect bees' ability to function. Scientists are studying how heat impacts bees, which are crucial for pollinating crops, amidst concerns about bee population declines.Key Facts
- Bees can have body temperatures 15 degrees Celsius higher than the surrounding air.
- Rising global temperatures pose new challenges for managed and wild bees.
- Bees use fewer but harder wingbeats to maintain safe body temperatures on hot days.
- Habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and lack of food sources also contribute to bee population declines.
- In the past year, US beekeepers reported a 56% loss of managed colonies, the highest ever recorded by a survey.
- Managed honeybee colonies are essential for pollinating crops like almonds, apples, and blueberries.
- Barnes cannot use certain mite-killing chemicals when it's too hot because it might harm the bees.
- The US Geological Survey Bee Lab's funding for bee research is at risk due to proposed federal budget cuts.
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