Climate change to slash bee numbers

Bees are at risk from climate change because more frequent droughts could cause plants to produce fewer flowers, researchers have claimed.

A study by the University of Exeter examined the impact of droughts, which are expected to become more common in many parts of the world, on flowering plants.

Drought roughly halved the overall number of flowers, meaning less food for bees and other pollinators.

Bees are already under pressure from threats including habitat loss and pesticides.