Short Wave Nature Quest: Are Flowers Blooming Early?
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Apr 22, 2025 The podcast investigates why flowers are blooming earlier than usual, raising concerns about climate change. It delves into the science of phenology and historical records, including insights from Henry David Thoreau's observations. Listeners learn about the impact on urban ecosystems and gardening practices due to rising temperatures. The discussion also highlights the importance of community engagement in scientific observation through apps like iNaturalist, encouraging individual participation in monitoring local environmental changes.
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Early Blooming in Oakland
- Shai Soar noticed unusually early blooming of flowers like California poppies and a calorie pear tree in Oakland, California.
- This concerned him because these plants usually bloom later in spring, around March and April.
Using Phenology to Track Plant Changes
- Phenology studies the timing of biological events like flowering and leafing out.
- Comparing modern data with historical records, such as Henry David Thoreau's 1850s plant-blooming records, provides valuable insight into ecological changes.
Plants Bloom Earlier Due to Warming
- Trees and wildflowers are leafing and flowering about 1-2 weeks earlier now compared to 150 years ago.
- This shift corresponds to a 4 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit overall warming since Thoreau's time.