As the climate warms, species that prefer warmer temperatures are spreading northwards to the detriment of native species and people alike. Climate change could affect how infectious, widespread and severe pests that decimate plants can become around the world, warns the United Nations in a new report.
“Species such as [the] fall armyworm, which feeds on crops that include maize, sorghum and millet, have already spread due to [a] warmer climate,” the scientists explain in a statement. “Others, such as desert locusts, which are the world’s most destructive migratory pests, are expected to change their migratory routes and geographical distribution,” they add.