Other Threats to Monarchs
Fridays for Future climate strike; Bonn, Germany; March 2019
How does climate change affect butterflies?
Research has linked climate change to monarch population decline. Monarch butterflies rely on changes in temperature to begin migration, hibernation, and reproduction. Abnormal temperatures can disrupt these critical stages in a monarch’s life. For instance, if they lay eggs too early or too late, there may not be sufficient food for the caterpillars. A warming climate also increases the number of extreme weather events, such as storms, droughts, and wildfires, which can kill butterflies and decimate their habitat, and can hinder the growth of milkweed, which is essential to monarch survival.
What can you do to help?
Mitigating the effects of climate change in general by driving and flying less, reducing meat consumption, and purchasing clean energy for your home, will help the monarch butterfly, too. Contacting policymakers and legislators about the dangers to monarchs, participating in climate school strikes and other demonstrations, and mobilizing friends and neighbors to plant pollinator-friendly gardens will protect both the butterflies and the planet.
Vast fields of monoculture crops
How does agriculture affect butterflies?
Agriculture is one of the top killers of monarchs. Monoculture plantings of food and biofuel crops that dominate the agricultural landscape of the United States have reduced both the number of nectar-producing flowers and the milkweed monarchs need to survive. In addition, use of pesticides, such as glyphosate, have skyrocketed, which can not only eliminate milkweed, but sometimes can kill the butterflies themselves. This is not just a butterfly problem—farming in general, and pesticides in particular, are terrible for other pollinators and wildlife, which are important for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
What can you do to help?
Never use pesticides or herbicides on your yard, especially not on your monarch habitat. Try to purchase organic food (or crops grown using integrated pest management strategies) and clothing whenever possible. Write to your representatives to support organic agriculture.