It’s still hot in many parts of the UK, but some tree leaves are turning yellow and blackberries are ripe in hedges. Councils in London have issued warnings because of the dangers of dying branches suddenly falling. Experts say signs of autumn, like leaves falling or apples being ready to pick, are actually nature becoming stressed by the long hot and dry summer. The UK has had 71% of the average rainfall for the season so far and 89% of the average sunshine hours for summer. Climate change is affecting the timings of biological events, including spring and autumn.
In Cardiff, a gardener has grown melons outside for the first time in six years, and other gardeners are seeing early harvests with some crops struggling in the heat. The ground is dry in large parts of the UK, and farmers are concerned about food prices. The Met Office says this summer is on track to be one of the warmest since records began in 1884.
Conservationists are still gathering data to determine if this is a record-breaking year for early autumn, but they are seeing signs of stress in trees and plants. The Wildlife Trusts says this is a sign of “nature shutting down” and that it is likely to have impacts into the winter and next year. Earthworms are living in dry soil, making it hard for animals to find food, and birds may go hungry if the blackberry crop comes early. Bees are also showing signs of shutting down for the winter after flowering plants finished producing pollen and nectar in the hot weather.
Scientists are clear that climate change will have boosted the heat, and they are worried about the impact on nature. Species have evolved to exist in a seasonal cycle, and if that cycle is breaking down, those species will break down as well. There is a real risk that huge chunks of nature will be lost due to climate impacts.
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