Great River Coalition Shares Notes on Recent Pollinator Research and 5th Annual Earth Day Bee Run/Walk & River Cleanup

Article by Rick Margl, Board VP with the Great River Coalition

Impact of Climate Change on Pollinators

One of the most daunting challenges of our time is to understand society’s impact on the earth’s climate and to develop means to mitigate and, eventually, reverse the damage we’ve collectively imposed on our environment. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the five warmest years recorded since 1880 have all occurred since 2015. The two-degree increase in surface temperature experienced since 1880 represents an immense amount of additional heat in our oceans and atmosphere.  That extra heat is driving regional and seasonal temperature extremes, reducing snow cover and sea ice, intensifying heavy rainfall, and changing habitat ranges for plants and animals—expanding some and shrinking others.

Credit: NASA/NOAA

Some people struggle to understand how climate change is impacting their daily lives. Unfortunately, for farmers who rely on native bees for pollination of food crops, the impact is already sadly apparent. In a recent issue of ScienceDaily magazine, Peter Soroye and other researchers at the University of Ottawa in Ontario describe how their research has confirmed that bumblebees are declining at a rate “consistent with a mass extinction” and that declines show a direct correlation with warming temperatures in North America and Europe. Analyzing data on 66 bumblebee species over a 115-year period, they were able to identify population declines by locality and compare to warming trends over the time period. They found that in the course of a single human generation, the likelihood of a bumblebee population surviving in a specific locale has declined by an average of over 30% globally and 46% for North America. Climate change is affecting pollinators and all of us who depend on them - we all have a part to play in reversing it.

Genetically Engineered Bacteria Protecting Honeybees

Credit: Stephen Ausmus, USDA Agriculture Research ServiceA significant threat to honeybees across the globe is a phenomenon referred to as Colony Collapse Disorder, in which the majority of worker bees abandon a colony, leaving the queen and a small number of nurse bees to care for the immature bees. A number of factors are suspected to play a part in collapse disorder, including Varroa mites (seen in the photo), pesticide pollution, viral infections, poor management practices, lack of quality forage and other stressors. Given the global importance of honeybees in food production, many researchers are working on developing solutions to the disorder. Scientists at the University of Texas-Austin recently announced a promising approach that employs genetically engineered bacteria that live in the guts of bees. The bacteria act as biological factories producing medicines that protect the honeybees from Varroa mites and deformed-wing virus. Way to go science!

How You Can Help Pollinators

One great way to support healthy and sustainable pollinator populations is to minimize the use of pesticides. Check bee toxicity before use and avoid application near food or nesting sites.

In an effort to curtail the use of pollinator-toxic pesticides, Minnesota State Representative Jean Wagenius recently submitted a bill (HF1255) that would allow cities to ban a group of pesticides that the MN Department of Agriculture has labeled as lethal to pollinators. Issues regarding the proposed legislation are further described in a recent Star Tribune article. As citizen advocates, research the issue and then make your opinions known by contacting your state representative to voice your support! Spread the word about threats to pollinators!

Another way to help pollinators is to join us for the 5th Annual Earth Day Bee Run/Walk & River Cleanup on April 18th at Boom Island Park. Family-friendly (bring those strollers!) and dogs are welcome on a course that travels through one of the city's most historic and naturally beautiful areas. Before and following the 5K learn about efforts to protect pollinators, and enjoy live music, entertainment, and 50th anniversary Earth Day festivities. Take part in an organized river cleanup.

The Great River Coalition is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that advocates for preserving, protecting and promoting the historic, commercial and environmental significance of the Mississippi River, the City of Minneapolis and its relationship to the people and their communities.