Elevated CO2, nutrition dilution, and shifts in Earth’s insect abundance

Abstract

Declining insect populations are concerning, given the numerous ecosystem services provided by insects. Here, we examine yet another threat to global insect populations — nutrient dilution, the reduction in noncarbon essential nutrients in plant tissues. The rise of atmospheric CO₂, and subsequent ‘global greening’, is a major driver of nutrient dilution. As plant nutrient concentrations are already low compared to animal tissues, further reductions can be detrimental to herbivore fitness, resulting in increased development times, smaller intraspecific body sizes, reduced reproduction, and reduced population sizes. By altering herbivore populations and traits, nutrient dilution can ramify up trophic levels. Conservation of Earth’s biodiversity will require not just protection of habitat, but reductions in anthropogenic alterations to biogeochemical cycles, including the carbon cycle.