Bees and climate change go hand in hand

What is happening and how it affects us all

Bees are essential to our lives and the health of ecosystems, and at El Serralet we see this every day as we work among flowers, honey, and beehives. But now they face a new challenge: the climate is changing, and that change also affects them… which ultimately affects us all.
In this article, we explain why bees are under pressure from climate change, what exactly is happening, and how this impact affects our food, economy, and nature.

What does climate change have to do with bees?

El término “cambio climático” agrupa alteraciones en la temperatura, los patrones de lluvia, el clima extremo, el derretimiento de hielos, etc. Todo eso altera el comportamiento, el hábitat y la biología de las abejas (y de otros polinizadores) de formas que antes no se daban. Por ejemplo:

• The seasons change more rapidly or unpredictably, and bees may go out to forage before or after the flowers are ready.
• Heat waves, droughts and torrential rains are on the rise, reducing flowers, nectar and water for beehives.
• Some species of bees adapted to cold weather suffer more when temperatures rise or when they have to migrate to cooler areas.

In summary: variable and extreme weather creates a more hostile environment for bees, just when their work is needed more than ever.

Main effects of climate change on bees

Desynchronisation between flowers and bees

Flowers have an optimal time to bloom, produce nectar and pollen. Bees have another time to go out and collect. Now, those times may not coincide. If the flower appears before the bee is active, or the bee goes out when there is no nectar left, pollination efficiency drops.

Fewer food resources and greater stress

With more heat, drought or torrential rains:

• Plants produce less nectar or pollen, or nectar or pollen of poorer nutritional quality.
• Bees have to fly further or longer to find food and water. This depletes their reserves and weakens them.

Habitat changes and forced migration

Some habitats are no longer suitable for certain species of bees. This forces them to migrate, lose colonies or disappear. A global study estimated that approximately 65% of species could see their range reduced due to climate change.

Extreme temperatures and beehives at risk

Las abejas y abejorros tienen rangos térmicos óptimos. Cuando hay olas de calor o inviernos muy suaves, su metabolismo, reproducción o regulación térmica se desajustan.

For example, in warm climates, bumblebee nests overheat and can lose their young.

How does climate change affecting bees affect us?

Risk to our food supply

Bees pollinate a very important part of our food (fruit, vegetables, nuts, etc.). If they suffer due to the climate, so does our diet.

Agricultural and local economy

Honey production, pollination-dependent crops and local beekeeping could be seriously affected. At El Serralet, we see it as beekeepers: changes in climate mean changes in harvests.

Biodiversity and more fragile landscapes

Bees contribute to ecosystems rich in life. If they decline, entire food chains, habitats, blooms, etc. are weakened. This also has an impact on the quality of the environment in which we live.

What can we do in our own environment?

Although climate change is a global challenge, there are local actions that can make a difference, and at El Serralet we firmly believe in this:

• Encourage the planting of native flowers that bloom at different times of the year.
• Ensure access to water and shelters for bees in gardens, orchards, or agricultural margins.
• Support local beekeeping that works sustainably, adapting to the climate.
• Educate about bees, their vulnerability to climate change, and their value to our ecosystems and crops.

Conclusion: a climate that also affects bees

At El Serralet, we live alongside nature and bees every day. We have seen how the climate is no longer as predictable for them as it used to be. Understanding why climate change affects bees is essential so that, by protecting them, we are also taking care of our food, biodiversity and the environment.

Because ultimately, if bees are struggling, so are we. And the sooner we understand this relationship, the better we can act.

We can tell you more one day if you come and take part in an apitourism activity. See you soon!