Extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, and cold snaps are wreaking havoc on the timing of key biological events, including plant flowering and insect emergence. A study led by Daijiang Li at the University of Arizona, published in Nature Climate Change, reveals how these events are disrupting the delicate balance of nature.
While researchers have traditionally focused on long-term climate shifts, Li’s team found that extreme weather plays a critical role in the phenology of plants and insects. For example, heatwaves and droughts are causing plants to flower earlier, leaving them vulnerable to late frosts, while pollinators like moths and butterflies emerge too early, risking survival.
The study highlights the urgent need to incorporate extreme weather into climate models to predict and address disruptions in ecosystems. Understanding these changes is crucial for preserving biodiversity and ensuring food security.
