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Journal Article

Adapting the social practice of beekeeping to a changing climate

Simon P. Meisch; Scott R. Bremer; Etienne Dunn-Sigouin; Manuel Hempel
Ambio · Vol. 55, Issue 9 · pp. 2139-2153 · 2026

Abstract

Beekeeping offers a lens to study climate change, linking ecological dynamics with cultural practices, technologies, and livelihoods. While ecological impacts on bees and pollination are well studied, less is known about how beekeeping as a social practice adapts. This systematic review synthesizes 27 peer-reviewed studies across regions and disciplines, guided by social practice theory. We examine five interrelated dimensions—competences, materials, meanings, temporalities, and more-than-human relations—shaping beekeeping under climatic stress. Findings show adaptation is not limited to technical fixes. It includes changes in knowledge, hive design, timing, and shifts in cultural meanings and relations with bees and landscapes. Strategies range from hive modifications and transhumance to community learning and new framings of risk. However, adaptive capacity is uneven. Conceptualizing beekeeping as a climate-sensitive practice advances inter- and transdisciplinary dialogue and fosters more inclusive and effective adaptation strategies. This approach to reviewing practical climate micro-adaptation is replicable in other fields of practice.

Bibliographic Information

JournalAmbio
PublisherSpringer
Publication Date2026-09-01
Publication Year2026
Volume55
Issue9
Pages2139-2153
Document TypeJournal Article
Print ISSN0044-7447
eISSN1654-7209
DOI10.1007/s13280-026-02354-6

Access Information

NARA Access Coverage2010-01-01~Current
Journal Homepagehttps://www.springer.com/journal/13280
Publisher PageOpen Publisher Page
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