Cherry blossoms bloom earlier in Japan

A vibrant pink and white bloom carpets Japan every year, heralding spring in the most magical way possible. Cherry blossoms are Japan’s cynosure; millions throng to the country every year to witness these sakura plants. 
 
This year, however, the sight of cherry blossoms is a cause for concern. A new study from the Met Office in the U.K. has revealed that these flowers have blossomed almost 11 days early; the city of Kyoto witnessed cherry blossoms reach their peak bloom on April 1st. In 2021, cherry blossoms made their annual appearance on March 26th, the earliest date in 1,200 years. 
 
While the sight of cherry blossoms is a stunning spectacle, their appearance now is a warning bell for environmentalists regarding the threat of climate crisis that looms large over the planet. The study by Nikolaos Christidis, which has been published in Environmental Research Letters, states that the flowering period alterations for cherry blossoms coincide with changing temperatures. 
 
Rising industrial emissions and global temperatures, especially in urban areas have led to a disturbance in the natural flowering season of many plants. An increase in temperatures since the late 20th century, which continues in the 21st century, makes these events more likely.