Ever milder winters in Norway could have fatal consequences for insects, natural scientists fear. Photo: Tor André Johannessen / NTB
Of NTB | 02.05.2024 09:45:04
Curiosities and celebrities: The weather seems to affect the insects, which prefer cold and snowy winters, according to the Norwegian Institute of Natural Research (Nina).
– In the four years we have been collecting insects, the biomass has decreased. Hopefully it is a short-term trend that will reverse if we get weather conditions that are more favorable for the insects, says researcher Jens Åström in Nina in a press release.
At the same time, he fears that climate change may have a negative effect on the insects in the future. Åström explains that a lot of snow helps to insulate insects from the weather and wind in winter. Mild winters with less snow therefore affect the insects’ survival.
The Norwegian Environment Agency’s director, Ellen Hambro, is also concerned, but believes that it is too early to draw conclusions.
– Through four years of monitoring, we have obtained a lot of valuable data material, but we need even more years and longer time series to be able to draw robust conclusions, says the environmental director in a press release.
(© NTB)