Japanese cherry blossoms may disappear
New research from the Japan Meteorological Agency shows that climate change causes the iconic Somei-Yoshino cherry variety to become extinct in many regions of Japan.
New research from the Japan Meteorological Agency says climate change means the iconic Somei-yoshino cherry variety could become extinct in many parts of Japan by 2100.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said the country now has an average temperature 1.27 degrees Celsius above normal, marking its second warmest winter. The trend of warm air covering Japan has affected the country's famous Somei-Yoshino cherry trees .
Somei-Yoshino is the most popular cherry blossom in Japan, grown since the late 19th century.
The Somei-Yoshino variety needs a period of cold weather, with temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius, to stimulate their system and produce their famous spring flowers.
If global warming trends continue, AI-based research predicts that the Somei-Yoshino cherry tree variety could face extinction in many regions of Japan, such as Miyazaki prefecture, Nagasaki and Kagoshima in the Kyushu region in 2100.
The possibility of the Somei-Yoshino tree disappearing could seriously disrupt the Hanami cherry blossom festival . According to a separate study by Kansai University, held annually from late March to early May, Hanami is the main driver of tourism, generating an estimated 616 billion yen ($4 billion) in revenue by 2023. .
Naoko Abe, a journalist and author specializing in cherry blossoms told This Week in Asia: 'This problem mainly concerns the Somei-Yoshino variety and there are other varieties that are more resistant or suitable to the warmer climate'. It's time for the Japanese people to plant many different varieties of cherry blossoms and give up the idea that Somei-Yoshino is the only cherry blossom.'
There are about 300 other types of cherry trees in Japan. In addition to climate change, the iconic Somei-Yoshino trees also face threats from invasive species, such as the red-necked longhorn beetle, further endangering their survival.
Japan has just experienced its second warmest winter on record, with unpredictable weather said to have affected cherry blossom season, snow sports and swan migration patterns.
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