Highlights: Desert locusts should benefit from global warming, according to a study published in Science Advances. A swarm of one square kilometer can devour 35,000 people in one day. Researchers warn of the risk of synchronized attacks in several countries thanks to floods and winds. In the scenario of an economy based on fossil fuels, the areas invaded by these insects could increase by 13 to 25%. Countries not accustomed to these insects, such as western India, Iran, Afghanistan or Turkmenistan, could be reached.

Global warming threatens certain species, but could well favor others. And that's not necessarily good news for men. According to a study published in Science Advances,…

Desert locusts should benefit from global warming

Global warming threatens certain species, but could well favor others. And that's not necessarily good news for men. According to a study published in

Science Advances

, locust invasions could become more widespread. However, a swarm of one square kilometer can devour 35,000 people in one day.

Samburu men try to repel a swarm of locusts flying over a pasture in Lemasulani village, Samburu County, Kenya January 17, 2020. REUTERS - NJERI MWANGI

By: Pauline Gleize Follow

Dark clouds of locusts could soon threaten new countries. According to a study published in

Science Advances

, giant swarms of locusts could become more frequent based on predictions for the period 2065-2100. Two scenarios were studied.

Also read: How Uganda is adapting to the risk of the desert locust

Even in a scenario of substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the risk will remain high for areas already affected by invasions, such as the Horn of Africa or the northwest of the continent, and the habitat of locusts. pilgrims should expand by 5%. In the scenario of an economy based on fossil fuels, the areas invaded by these insects could increase by 13 to 25%. Countries not accustomed to these insects, such as western India, Iran, Afghanistan or Turkmenistan, could be reached.

Risk of synchronized attacks

According to the study, arid areas hit by extreme rains are particularly favorable to the emergence of locust attacks. With soil moisture, the eggs finish developing and the vegetation, on which the larvae feed, grows. However, global warming will tend to increase droughts and the intensity of extreme rains. Temperature plays a role in egg incubation and massive flights: locusts must be warm enough to flap their wings. Researchers also warn of the risk of synchronized attacks in several countries thanks to floods and winds. An additional danger in terms of food safety.

Desert locusts should benefit from global warming

Desert locusts should benefit from global warming

Risk of synchronized attacks

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