Researchers from Singapore and China have identified a clear link between climate warming and rising locust outbreaks, warning that these shifts could threaten global food security. The findings, reported in Science Developments, highlight how a warming climate is likely to amplify locust activity and complicate international efforts to manage outbreaks effectively.
The study notes that higher rainfall and warmer average temperatures create more favorable conditions for locusts across regions in Africa and Asia. As weather patterns shift, the geographic range of these pests is expected to broaden, increasing the likelihood of outbreaks in new areas and intensifying pressures where infestations already occur.
Earlier work from researchers at the National University of Singapore also pointed to a rise in destructive locust swarms, attributing this trend to increased rainfall and stronger winds associated with climate change. The implications point to more frequent and severe swarms in the not distant future, challenging monitoring networks and response strategies worldwide.
Locust swarms remain one of the most potent natural threats to crops. A single swarm can number in the tens of millions of individuals and spread over thousands of square kilometers, consuming vast amounts of vegetation in a short time. In historical terms, these insects have repeatedly caused severe food shortages and disruptions to farming communities across many regions.
To build a clearer picture, the researchers drew on data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, compiling outbreak records from 36 countries over a 35-year span from 1985 to 2020. They integrated this with meteorological indicators such as temperature, wind speed, and precipitation to explore how climate variables correlate with locust dynamics and to identify potential warning signals for emerging hotspots.
The work aligns with broader concerns about climate-related ecological shifts, including observed stresses on ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest. As climate patterns continue to change, the interactions between weather events, pest populations, and agricultural systems become more complex, underscoring the need for coordinated global action to protect food supplies and livelihoods.