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Pollinator risks and recovery from air pollutant interactions during the fossil fuel transition

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Ryalls, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2015-3605, Bishop, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2114-230X and Wagstaff, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9400-8641 (2026) Pollinator risks and recovery from air pollutant interactions during the fossil fuel transition. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. ISSN 1540-9309 (In Press)

Abstract/Summary

Air pollutants such as ozone (O3) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) disrupt insect pollinators’ ability to locate flowers by altering the composition and concentration of floral scents, threatening biodiversity and crop production. This review examines their impact on pollinator performance and evaluates the short- and long-term consequences of transitioning away from fossil fuels by considering the effects of multiple pollutants together. While O3 and NOx individually impair pollinator foraging, our supporting meta-analysis reveals a sub-additive effect when they occur together. Under a middle-of-the-road SSP2-4.5 emissions scenario, tropospheric O₃ levels are projected to rise until mid-century, intensifying stress on pollinators. Beyond 2050, O3 levels are expected to decline as clean energy reduces emissions of precursors like NOx. Pollinator recovery rate will depend on the emissions pathway followed and how effective policies are in cutting emissions. This work connects improvements in air quality to the stability of global ecosystems and builds on previous reviews by quantifying pollutant interactions and providing actionable insights for policy-making.

Item Type Article
URI https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/131026
Refereed Yes
Divisions Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Sustainable Land Management > Centre for Agri-environmental Research (CAER)
Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Crop Science
Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Human Nutrition Research Group
Publisher Ecological Society of America
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