Research indicates that light pollution in cities causes plants to bloom and shed leaves significantly earlier than in rural areas. A study in 'Nature Cities' shows that spring starts about 12.6 days earlier in cities, while autumn is delayed by 11.2 days. Tracking was done across 428 large northern hemisphere cities, with 88.3% showing alterations in plant seasonal changes. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the urban heat island effect, leading to accelerated plant growth and potential broader ecological impacts, as the interaction between warmth and light pollution reshapes urban vegetation patterns.
In cities, spring arrives several days earlier than in the countryside due to light pollution, which accelerates vital processes in plant phenology.
The study found that city centers turn green about 12.6 days before plants in the surrounding countryside and leaf senescence also begins significantly earlier.
Excessive artificial lighting impacts not just plant life but also urban animals and potentially human health, complicating our understanding of urban ecosystems.
Light pollution adds to the urban heat island effect, which exacerbates global warming trends, leading to disruptive changes in vegetation patterns.
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