Buzzing About Climate Change: The Un-bee-lievable Impact on Bees

There is more to bees than just honeybees! Check out this easy bee identification guide to see who's buzzing around your backyard.

1. Why are bees so crucial to our ecosystem and agriculture, especially in the United States? Discuss the economic impact of bees on crops and the potential repercussions of declining bee populations.
2. Brian Ashhurst mentions that bee colonies are facing multiple threats such as disease, parasites, pesticides and climate change. How do these factors individually and collectively contribute to the decline of bee populations? How might they be interconnected?
3. What challenges did the team face while developing the world's first vaccine for honeybees?
4. Dr. Jurg Meyer highlights the dreaded American foulbrood disease that affects bees. What are the measures taken when such diseases are identified in a hive?
5. Based on the report, what is the potential future impact of this bee vaccine, and how might it pave the way for other innovations? How does this story showcase the balance between nature and human intervention for the greater good?

1. Why are honey bees vital to the agriculture and food industry, and what are the primary threats they currently face?
2. Describe the significance of the world's first honeybee vaccine and how it could be a potential solution to the problem of American foulbrood in honeybee colonies.
3. How does the newly developed vaccine work to immunize the honeybees, and why is the focus on the queen bee?
4. How does climate change indirectly pose threats to honeybees, particularly concerning the spread of mosquitoes?
5. Based on the development of this vaccine, what potential future advancements in honeybee health might scientists anticipate or work toward?

1. How does Samantha Winship view the relationship between humans and nature, particularly through her experiences as a beekeeper and farmer?
2. Winship has noticed that bee and plant behaviors have become unpredictable due to climate change. How do these changes impact farmers, and what broader implications might they have for the global food supply?
3. Winship mentions that "planting a seed is a revolutionary act" and emphasizes the importance of small farms and families in the future. What do you think she means by this, and why might small-scale farming be seen as revolutionary?
4. The video touches upon the essential role of bees as pollinators. How do you think the health and behavior of bees directly impact food security and biodiversity, and what actions can individuals and communities take to support bee populations?
5. Winship hopes that people will become more engaged with the environment and help educate younger generations. Why is this critical for the future, and what are some effective ways communities can foster environmental awareness and action?

1. In what ways might the changes in the forest areas affect bee populations and their ability to find food and nesting sites?
2. How does creating habitats in log landing areas benefit bees specifically, considering their need for particular flowers and environments for pollination?
3. How do the practices in national forests aim to maintain a balance between harvesting timber and preserving diverse plants and animals?
4. What roles do students play in this project, and why are their perspectives considered vital?

School or Community Project: Plan a school or community project like creating a bee-friendly habitat, planting bee-friendly flowers, or raising awareness about the importance of bees and the impacts of climate change on them. You can also make a project at home!

Review some tips from the American Montessori Society and see whether bees, butterflies and more can find a new home near you!