What effect does climate change have on pest populations in agriculture?

The influence of climate change on pest populations in agriculture is significant and multifaceted. Warmer temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased carbon dioxide levels can create more favorable conditions for pests to thrive. Higher temperatures can accelerate pest development and reproduction rates, leading to larger populations. Additionally, milder winters may allow more pests to survive rather than being killed off by cold temperatures.

Changes in rainfall patterns can also affect soil moisture and plant health, which can lead to increased stress on crops, making them more susceptible to pest infestations. Furthermore, shifting climatic conditions may expand the geographical range of certain pests, allowing them to colonize new areas where they were previously unable to survive.

Therefore, the understanding that climate change tends to increase pest populations aligns with current agri-ecological research and observations, as the factors associated with climate change collectively favor pest proliferation.