An Uphill Struggle

Many insects are important pollinators of plants. These animals are often highly mobile. Many can fly, some for considerable distances. These invertebrates also often have short generation times. Some, migratory species of insects, have several broods in a single season. Many insects are currently changing their locations. Some are moving up the sides of mountains and hills. Ultimately, this is not sustainable. Sooner or later, these critters will reach the tops of their land-locked 'islands' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/28/why-the-climate-crisis-is-making-our-insects-run-for-the-hills). In some cases, climate change is not the sole cause of these insect redistributions. Habitat loss, produced by drainage of locations (especially important for species that have an aquatic phase), agriculture and house building can also have major impacts. Rising temperatures, however, currently provide a powerful additional imperative to move. Many insect species are moving towards the poles. This, of course, will inevitably have a major impact on ecosystems, that are already under considerable environmental pressures. Extinctions are 'on the cards' for many insect species.