As winter days fade, spring flowers begin to bloom. From cherry blossoms to tulips, these blooms mark the return of spring and warmer days. But as our planet warms, spring is arriving earlier, causing flowers to bloom sooner than they used to. Why does this matter? Read on to learn why an early spring may not be good news.
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Early Bloomers
In 2022, a team of scientists at the University of Cambridge reported that, on average, plants in the UK are now flowering a month earlier than usual.
The early flowering trend can be observed around the world. The iconic cherry tree in Japan, for example, started blooming around March 29 in the 1960s. Last year – the hottest year on record – the warmth drove the blossoms in Tokyo to bloom on March 14, the earliest date documented in history. In Georgia, US – a state famous for its peaches – a mild winter last year led to an early bloom of its peach trees. But then a late freeze hit in March, and the state lost 90% of its peach crop to the cold.
When Nature Falls Out Of Sync
Nature has its own rhythm. When flowers bloom early, they risk getting out of sync with nature. Flowers rely on pollinators such as hummingbirds or bees to reproduce, but these creatures may not wake up from hibernation in time. This means that plants will be less likely to be fertilized, thus producing fewer seeds and fruits. At the same time, pollinators will miss out on the nectar they need for food.
Bees provide free ecosystem services by pollinating many of our food and fiber crops.
Trees may also become confused by warmer winters. Some species, such as the cherry tree, need exposure to periods of cold temperatures before they can bloom. When trees do not receive enough rest in the cold, they may struggle to produce flowers and seeds.
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Why Do Early Blooms Matter?
One-third of the food on our tables is pollinated by animals like butterflies, bees, and bats. These pollinators fertilize many of the flowering plants we eat, from almonds to zucchinis. Plants and pollinators falling out of sync could have a domino effect on ecosystems. When plants produce fewer seeds and fruits, animals like squirrels, birds, and even our cattle have less food to eat. That means less food for us, too!
As caretakers of our planet, we can help protect the delicate balance of nature. Planting native flowers in our gardens, especially ones that flower at different times in the season, can provide food for pollinators and prevent them from going hungry. We can also make our outdoor spaces more friendly to pollinators by providing water sources for them and minimizing the use of pesticides.
Additionally, we can also play our part to slow down the warming of our planet. Every action counts, no matter how small. From using less energy to practising good recycling habits, we can all help to reduce global warming, ensuring a healthy and safe future for ourselves and all living things on our planet.
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