Study Links Climate Change to Increased Risk of Desert Locust Outbreaks

A new study emphasizes the need for global cooperation and early warning systems to combat the growing threat of locust outbreaks fueled by erratic weather.

• Climate change is likely to worsen desert locust outbreaks, making them more frequent and severe due to erratic weather patterns.
• A study published in Science Advances highlights the connection between climate change and the increased risk of locust outbreaks, emphasizing the need for better regional cooperation and early warning systems.
• Desert locusts, known as the most destructive migratory pest, can devastate crops and lead to famine and food insecurity in affected regions.
• The study analyzed locust outbreaks from 1985 to 2020, finding a strong link between outbreak magnitude and weather conditions, including extreme rainfall and El Nino events.
• Countries already facing climate-driven challenges like droughts and floods could see exacerbated food security issues due to increased locust risks.

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