Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture (MJSA)

Climate change is profoundly reshaping the ecological dynamics of insect pests, posing significant threats to global crop production and food security. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and elevated atmospheric CO₂ levels influence pest biology, population dynamics, geographic distribution, and interactions with host plants and natural enemies. Evidence indicates that many insect pests are experiencing increased voltinism, range expansions, and prolonged activity periods, while pest-crop interactions are becoming more unpredictable across agroecological zones. Invasive species are emerging as dominant threats in newly suitable habitats, often outpacing the adaptive capacity of indigenous biocontrol agents. Moreover, climate variability disrupts pest phenology, weakens the efficacy of conventional management strategies, and complicates forecasting models. Crop-specific case studies highlight how key staples such as rice, wheat, maize, and barley are increasingly vulnerable to pest outbreaks under shifting climatic regimes. We emphasize the urgency of integrating climate-adaptive frameworks into pest management, including the deployment of predictive modelling tools, host plant resistance breeding, and ecologically-based strategies that enhance agroecosystem resilience. This review underscores the necessity for a paradigm shift in pest management—from reactive control to proactive, climate-informed interventions—to safeguard crop productivity in a warming world.