Early flowers bloom: A sign of climate change

Kashmir: The effect of climate change is being experienced by everyone. The mood of weather changes across the world, raising the eyebrows of experts. The rising temperature at the moment has unveiled changes in its natural cycle. Therefore several flowers in Kashmir that usually bloom in March or April have started blooming in January. Scientists believe that this happened amid a rise in temperatures, and the sign of climate change can’t be overruled.

As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Centre in Srinagar, the temperature in mid-January touched 15 degrees Celsius—almost 8 degrees above normal. Professor Shakil Romshoo, an earth scientist and vice chancellor at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), explains that over the last few decades, temperatures during autumn and winter have been increasing. However, in the past four years, this warming trend has become more extreme.

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The early blooming of flowers is a matter of great concern. If snowfall and rain appear after the bloom of flowers, then it can ruin plants. However, in this situation, fruit production will be badly damaged in the valley. Several experts think that if the temperature continues to rise this way, then in the coming years the situation would further deteriorate. It is an alarming sign to take concrete action to curb climate change.

Flowers bloom before the time is a wake-up call. The time has come to take some serious steps and balance the valley’s environment, which is at risk for the upcoming generations.