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Season Springs Forward as Climate Warms Up

Bees are buzzing, trees are flowering, and biologists are worrying

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 20, 2008 6:58 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Today is officially the first day of spring, but spring has been gradually shifting into winter, the AP reports. Signs of spring—trees flowering, animals coming out of hibernation—are coming earlier every year. The shifting season has biologists seriously worried. "The alarm clock that all the plants and animals are listening to is running too fast," said one.

Spring's shift earlier is one of the clearest signs yet of global warming, and many biologists fear that the changes could play havoc with ecosystems and wipe out entire species. Early spring spells trouble for humans, too—allergy seasons are getting longer and stronger. "It's a huge health impact," a professor said. "17% of the American population is allergic to pollen."

Signs of spring are coming earlier every year. Spring flowers are flowering earlier and biologists are worried about the implications for interdependent species.
Signs of spring are coming earlier every year. Spring flowers are flowering earlier and biologists are worried about the implications for interdependent species.   ((c) venkane)
Visitors take a stroll under the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin in Washington. The state's famous cherry trees are blossoming earlier and earlier every year.
Visitors take a stroll under the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin in Washington. The state's famous cherry trees are blossoming earlier and earlier every year.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Blossoms bloom in an almond orchard. Today is the first day of spring, but the things that used to signal the start of spring have moved earlier in the calendar.
Blossoms bloom in an almond orchard. Today is the first day of spring, but the things that used to signal the start of spring have moved earlier in the calendar.   (Getty Images)
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Homepage of scientists tracking signs of spring
National Phrenology Network

Old photos, journals show how spring has shifted earlier
Associated Press

 
climate change • weather • global warming • allergy • biologists • seasons • flowers • pollen

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