Summary
This modelling study quantifies the global health burden from inadequate animal pollination of nutrient-dense crops. Using climate zonation and agricultural-economic models, the authors estimate that 3–5% of global fruit, vegetable, and nut production is lost to insufficient pollination, resulting in approximately 427,000 excess annual deaths from associated dietary inadequacy and noncommunicable disease. The health and economic impacts are unevenly distributed, with production losses concentrated in lower-income countries but mortality impacts greater in middle- and high-income nations.
UK applicability
The UK benefits from robust pollinator populations for many horticultural crops, though recent declines in wild pollinators and managed honeybees raise concerns about future production resilience. The study's methods and findings on pollinator-dependent yield gaps may inform UK agricultural policy and environmental targets around pollinator recovery and food security.
Key measures
Proportion of yield gap attributable to insufficient pollination; global and country-level excess mortality (95% uncertainty intervals); lost food production; changes in dietary risk and consumption; economic value of lost crop production
Outcomes reported
The study modelled the global health burden attributable to insufficient pollination of crops, estimating excess annual mortality and lost economic crop value. It quantified yield gaps in animal-pollinated foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes) and simulated the health and economic consequences of current pollinator deficits across countries at different income levels.
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