Effect of Global Climate Change on Insect Populations, Distribution, and its Dynamics
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Date
2025-07-07
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ELSEVIER
Abstract
Insects are vital to various ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and food sources for many organisms. They
dominate diverse terrestrial (e.g., glassland) and aquatic (lakes, oceans, rivers, etc.) ecosystems. Previous studies
report that more than half of the estimated 2.0 million species of living organisms identified on our planet are
insects. However, global climate change (GCC), characterised by rising temperatures and altered precipitation
patterns, significantly impacts their populations worldwide. We reviewed the literature to provide an overview of
GCC events in insects. Collectively, the study findings reveal that global temperature and precipitation change
are among the extreme GCC events affecting more than 30% of insect population, distribution, physiology,
feeding habits, interactions, migration, and communication across the globe. The climate change intensifies
insect cycles and insect damage in agroecosystems. In response, insect species alter their geographic ranges and
phenology, changing population dynamics and interactions. GCC also influences reproductive patterns, including
mating behaviour and breeding synchrony. Warmer global temperatures might advance or delay insect emer-
gence, causing mismatches with food availability or pollination partners. While some insect populations may
adapt, extreme heat events or prolonged droughts exceeding their physiological tolerance result in population
declines or local extinctions. Predictions suggest that up to 65% of insect populations could face extinction within
the next century due to increasing climate change. Thus, understanding these impacts is essential for predicting
the ecological consequences of the GCC and developing effective conservation strategies to mitigate such impacts
and protect insect biodiversity and ecosystem services
Description
This Journal Article was published by ELSEVIER in 2025