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Coffee plantations are threatened indeed, but the danger might not actually be that big
STATES CHRONICLE – Climate change threatens most ecosystems in the world, and coffee plantations are also on the list. Researchers made predictions which indicated a dramatic decrease in the world coffee supply, as the pollinating bees were also in danger. However, they think classical models don’t account for the organisms’ ability to adapt, and this might be their key to survival.
Changing the old environmental models regarding coffee plantations
Researchers decided to take a new look at the traditional models used to predict the evolution of coffee plantations in South America. Previous studies showed how climate change would have a great impact on the coffee industry, significantly reducing the area where it grew, and affecting the habitat.
However, they decided to run new models, and take more factors into account. These previous studies didn’t consider the adaptability of the pollinating organisms, such as bees. Therefore, they devised new simulations which were closer to reality than the older ones. The obtained results similar to the older conclusions, but the new outlook wasn’t that pessimistic.
Researchers found ways to preserve bee populations
These older studies predicted certain species of bees from South America would suffer severe declines in its numbers. However, the new study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, included the bees’ capability to adapt. This new perspective brought better results, as researchers found between 5 and 10 bee species which could continue living near coffee plantations.
Also, there are other ways to prevent bees from disappearing. While their numbers might still decrease, there are still things to be done to prevent this from happening. By planting species which are preferred by bees near the coffee plantations, the remaining creatures can be attracted towards the area. Therefore, the coffee supply is indeed threatened, but there are plenty of solutions to save it.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
