Climate Change and Pesticide Dynamics: Challenges and Implications for Environmental Fate in a Warming World Publisher



Motafeghi F ; Ghassemi Barghi E ; Gholami Gharab J ; Ashari S ; Ghassemi Barghi N
Source: All Life Published:2026

Abstract

The increasing impact of climate change poses significant challenges to global agriculture, particularly in the dynamics of pesticide use and environmental fate. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events influence the persistence, transport, and degradation of pesticides in soil, water, and air, potentially amplifying ecological and human health risks. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on the interactions between climate change and pesticide behavior, highlighting key factors such as chemical stability, volatilization, leaching, and bioaccumulation. We also explore the consequences for non-target organisms, including pollinators, soil microbiota, and aquatic ecosystems. Predictive modeling approaches, including emerging artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, are examined for their potential to forecast pesticide fate under diverse climate scenarios. Finally, we discuss regulatory challenges and adaptation strategies for sustainable pesticide management in a warming world. This review emphasizes the urgent need for integrative research and policy interventions to mitigate the compounded risks of pesticides in the context of climate change. © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.