‘C is for Crispr British Weather’

Sourced stockphoto: Bee sitting on a sunflower

A recent walk through a rainy and humid London renewed the debate of British weather, particularly as this summer has brought noticeable changes in rainfall patterns. This year, the garden has seen a decline in bee populations, with fewer insects overall compared to last summer. As we pulled the increasing number of weeds from the soil, understanding how all this must be connected became clearer and that the shifting climate is impacting not only our weather but also the delicate balance of local ecosystem and biodiversity.

Research and reports from 2024 indicate a continued decline in bee and insect populations in the UK due to several factors; habitat, climate change, pesticide use and food availability.*1

If we look at habitat, the UK experienced record rainfall during the spring significantly affected bee and insect populations. Such climate change is also causing more extreme UK weather patterns, such as summer droughts, prolonged flooding*2, cold springs and coastal storms. These events are altering the geographic ranges suitable for many species, contributing to the decline of certain bees and other pollinators, with farmers having to consider altering future crop plans, potentially resulting in lower yields and impacts on livestock.

Source: Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), UK

Recent discussions in the House of Commons have highlighted the need to address the decline of insect populations in the UK. MPs are advocating for a reduction in pesticide use and a shift towards more sustainable farming practices that prioritize nature based ecological recovery.*3

In the UK, several fertilizers contain pesticides, often designed to enhance plant growth while controlling pests. The use of ‘neonicotinoid ‘ pesticides ( products containing thiamethoxam), are known for their detrimental effects on pollinators and aquatic life and negative impact on bee populations.

Whilst glyphosate (contained in several readily available retail products ) is not a neonicotinoid pesticide, glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide used to kill weeds and plants. The environmental impact of this results in harm on non-target plant species and disrupt ecosystems. Where regulation widely bans neonicotinoid across the UK*4, glyphosate is widely approved but controversial due to health concerns.

Where we may still see this affecting British wildlife despite bans in other parts of Europe, the UK has allowed emergency use of these pesticides, which has been detrimental to bee populations, under a clause of limited exceptions use where neonicotinoid substances can still be used in greenhouses and for certain crops like sugar beet under strict conditions and emergency authorisations. This has resulted in 2024 measures of the pesticide still being found in UK river waters including the Ivel, Waveney, Nene, Ouse and Tame.*5

Our own research for pesticide solutions back in 2020 looked at non evasive techniques and products which were repellents from crops, specifically not to destroy or alter ecosystems. Product research included sonic tractor beams with applications in agriculture, primarily through their ability to manipulate objects without physical contact. These beams use high-amplitude sound waves to create acoustic holograms, allowing for the movement and levitation of small objects.

We also looked at Ultrasonic pest repellent; electronic devices that emit high-frequency sounds to deter pests like rodents and insects. Such suggestions were preferred over traditional farming practices in Asia, such as red chili and garlic. Of course prior to even testing these, we realised sonic pest repellents can potentially affect bee populations. Bees, like other insects, have sensory organs that can detect ultrasonic vibrations, which these devices emit to deter pests.

2024 reports include several big food and beverage companies globally investing in private networks to accommodate evolving agricultural solutions and advanced in-house network connectivity.

In 2022 The UK government has implemented research of German and Chinese institutes*6 in gene editing and recognises several potential benefits of using CRISPR in agriculture.

CRISPR technology has been mentioned to significantly reduce pesticide use in agriculture by targeting and controlling pest populations more precisely. By editing the genes of agricultural pests, CRISPR can render them sterile or alter their ability to spread diseases. For example, researchers have used CRISPR to create sterile male insects, which, when released, can reduce pest populations by preventing successful reproduction*6.

In the June 2022 government document titled ‘Reforming the Governance of Genetic Technologies, Policy Brief by the Regulatory Horizons Council’, notes many countries (e.g, USA, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Canada, India) are already relaxing the rules for regulatory approval of crops, and in some cases animals, where they involve simple genome editing.*7

CRISPR technology has been noted to enhance crop resilience, reduce the need for chemical inputs, and improve nutritional content, resulting in economic and environmental benefit.*8 These advancements are noted to lead to a reduction in chemical pesticide use while maintaining or even increasing crop yields.

The 2024 House of Commons debate pack ‘Environmental impact of neonicotinoids and other pesticides‘ notes in February 2024 British Sugar secured £660,000 from the Governments Farming Futures R & D fund to look at how gene editing can be used to produce natural virus yellows resistance in sugar beet.*3 (The project uses Tropic’s Gene Editing induced Gene Silencing (GEiGS®) technology to enhance crop resilience and sustainability, contributing to net-zero emissions goals in agriculture)*9.

The evolution of technology, bee population, and British weather are now more interconnected than ever. It is crucial that sonar systems and gene editing technologies are implemented with caution, particularly near bee habitats, as they may pose potential risks to these vital pollinators.

We should continue to support our UK MP’s work advocating for these issues in the House of Commons bringing attention to important UK government procedures, scientific advice and pesticide authorisations. Continued local and international research is essential to understand the broader impacts on the UK's ecosystems, including its water systems and soil health, ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture and biodiversity.