Welcome to our weekly newsletter focusing on environmental trends and solutions driving us towards a more sustainable world. I’m Jill, and today we explore the U.K.’s annual plant hunt, revealing its role in climate change research.
This week’s highlights include flowers blooming in January in the U.K., the emergence of solar-powered electric vehicles, and a funeral home’s award-winning forest of memorial trees.
Citizen science in the U.K. is shedding light on climate change impacts, as data collected on New Year’s Day shows an increase in native plant species blooming due to rising temperatures. The annual New Year Plant Hunt, now in its 15th year, engages thousands of participants to track blooming patterns, providing valuable scientific insights.
Louise Marsh from the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland emphasizes the significance of this citizen science initiative, evolving from a casual activity to a robust data collection method. The event has recorded a remarkable 663 plant species in bloom this year, raising concerns about the broader impact on wildlife.
The power of observation is a key message conveyed by Marsh, encouraging everyone to participate in the New Year Plant Hunt. By leveraging citizen science, experts like Debbie Hemming from the U.K.’s Met Office emphasize the invaluable role of public engagement in studying climate impacts on nature.
Beyond the U.K., similar citizen science programs worldwide, like Canada’s PlantWatch, contribute to understanding climate change effects on plant life. Hemming aims to collaborate with global networks to enhance climate change research through diverse observations.
In the realm of sustainable transportation, the concept of solar-powered electric vehicles is gaining traction. While some car models offer solar panels for supplementary charging, innovations like Nissan’s solar-powered Ariya electric SUV suggest a future where solar energy could significantly impact vehicle range and charging habits.
In other environmental news, a funeral home in Ontario is recognized for its tree-planting initiative to commemorate families it has served, creating a vibrant memorial forest. This sustainable practice reflects a growing trend in eco-friendly rituals and community engagement.
Join us next week for more insightful environmental updates. If you have any questions or story suggestions, please reach out to us at whatonearth@cbc.ca.
– Jill English
