Core Insights - A new study published in the journal "Ecology" indicates that even in relatively undisturbed "pristine" mountains, insect populations are rapidly declining due to rising summer temperatures, suggesting that climate change may be a major driver of the global insect crisis [1][2] Group 1: Research Findings - The study conducted by researchers from the University of North Carolina monitored flying insects over approximately 20 years in a subalpine meadow in Colorado, with data collected from 2004 to 2024 [1] - The meadow, located at an elevation of about 3000 meters, has 38 years of meteorological records and is nearly free from direct human interference, representing a typical "pristine" mountain ecosystem [1] - Insect populations in this area have been found to decline by an average of 6.6% per year, totaling a cumulative decline of 72.4% over the 20-year period [1] Group 2: Implications and Recommendations - The rapid decline of insect populations in mountainous regions, which host a high diversity of local and adaptive insect communities, poses significant concerns for ecosystems that rely on insects for food, pollination, pest control, and nutrient cycling [2] - Researchers advocate for enhanced long-term monitoring of insects across various regions, including pristine, semi-natural, and human-altered areas, to better assess the impact of climate change on insect communities and to inform effective conservation policies [2]