An expert on climate change has outlined why erratic weather and seasons can have a serious impact on biodiversity and crops.
Dr Lenka Hajkova from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute in Prague specialises in phenology.
Research in this field concentrates on the timings of cyclical or seasonal biological events such as migrations and flowering.
Dr Hajkova told Radio Prague International: “We record the period when trees start to sprout, when they bloom and when their fruits ripen.”
Since bees and numerous other insects are in charge of pollinating trees and plants, any changes to these natural procedures can seriously impact their activity. As a consequence, the volume of honey can be affected.
Dr Hajkova warned that climate change was moving the seasons around.
The scientist explained: “We have observed that phenologic spring moves towards an earlier period in the calendar. Autumn processes are meanwhile starting later than they used to.”
The phenologist concluded: “The seasons are being shifted by climate change. Climate change is here. We are observing it.”
Dr Hajkova and her colleagues constantly process the data they have been gathering to create pollen forecasts which are essential to anyone suffering from allergies.
The Czech phenologist has also been involved in a study on the taste of beer and how it might change due to developments affecting hop crops. The research made headlines around the world last year.
Asked to identify the consequences from her observations in recent years, Dr Hajkova said: “As a society, we must reduce our carbon emissions. I also think that we should also consume less.”
