Welcome to our weekly newsletter focusing on environmental trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable world. I’m Jill, and today, we delve into the United Kingdom’s annual plant hunt, showcasing how it has evolved into a valuable tool for scientists studying climate change.
This week’s highlights include the early blooming of flowers in the UK in January, the concept of solar-powered electric vehicles, and a funeral home’s initiative where memorial trees have flourished into an award-winning forest.
Through citizen science efforts, crucial insights into the impacts of climate change in the UK have been uncovered. Data collected by numerous citizens on New Year’s Day indicates a significant increase in native plant species blooming on January 1 compared to previous decades, directly linked to rising temperatures. The UK’s Met Office discovered that for every 1-degree Celsius temperature rise in a specific location, an additional 2.5 species bloom on January 1. This citizen science initiative, initially for enjoyment, has now transitioned into a scientific data collection venture.
The 15th annual New Year Plant Hunt, initiated by two botanists curious about changing blooming patterns, has now grown to involve nearly 3,700 participants. While textbooks suggested 10 native plant species would bloom on January 1, a staggering 663 species were recorded this year, raising concerns about the impact on other wildlife like pollinators.
The New Year Plant Hunt welcomes all to participate, providing educational resources and expert review of submitted records and photos for accuracy. This human-led observation approach complements weather data, offering invaluable insights into climate change impacts on nature.
In a similar vein, Canada conducted a study in 2013 using citizen science data, concluding that plant flowering advances by approximately nine days per degree Celsius. Leveraging citizen science networks worldwide can help unveil broader trends and deepen our understanding of climate change’s effects on the environment.
The message conveyed through these events emphasizes the power of observation in understanding and mitigating climate change. Everyone, regardless of expertise, can contribute to these vital observations for a more sustainable future.
Thank you for reading our newsletter. For any questions, feedback, or story ideas, please reach out to whatonearth@cbc.ca. Stay tuned for more insightful content in our upcoming editions.