Why Boston's Plants Bloom Earlier Now Than 100 Years Ago

Boston's average temperature has increased 1.5 degrees Celsius over the past century.

1 minute read

August 2, 2004, 11:00 AM PDT

"Another change Primack and other scientists have noticed in biological communities is that as the climate changes, new species are gaining a stronger foothold, sometimes crowding out native species.

'This is potentially significant for the future of agriculture in the United States,' says Primack. 'In a way, Boston shows what the rest of the country will look like in 100 years.'

Due to the 'heat island' effect, by which urban areas' average temperatures rise more quickly than rural areas, Boston has already undergone the 1-degree-Celsius temperature change that is predicted for rural areas in the next century. If average temperatures rise just one degree Celsius, Primack adds, crops such as corn and wheat will no longer grow well in the areas where they are currently grown."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Why Boston's plants bloom earlier now than 100 years ago

Monday, August 2, 2004 in The Christian Science Monitor

Environment Massachusetts

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