New Research Suggests That Air Pollution Is Diminishing The Natural Scents Of Wild Plants And Making Them Less Attractive To Pollinators, A Consequence That Can Have Far-Reaching Implications For Our Environment

Some examples of this include artificial lighting that can confuse insects and migratory birds and noise pollution from cars, airplanes, and ships that can impair hearing in aquatic species and disrupt the reproductive behaviors of various animals.

The study’s findings also indicate that pollutants have an impact on animals’ olfactory senses. Should other pollinators respond to pollution similarly to hawk moths, it could have far-reaching consequences.

This includes potential effects on agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and the intricate ecosystems of insects, which play a vital role in maintaining the well-being of humans and other wildlife. The reduction of natural scents could significantly influence all of these areas.

“It’s just more motivation for moving our transportation and energy needs away from fossil fuel combustion and to other sources of energy,” concluded Thornton.

To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in Science, visit the link here.