Spring Has Sprung, But Blossoms Haven’t Bloomed

March is the month of life, where flowers bloom and the gentle spring breezes arrive. It reaches a peak in April, where blossoms are in full bloom, covering our vision with vivid colors and scents of sweet spring— but this year, something feels a little off. In lieu of cherry blossoms, snow covers Gapyeong peaks. The trees lay bare, almost uncertain whether to bloom or not. 

Global warming and climate change are the main causes of a delayed spring. As greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the climate is becoming more unpredictable and harder to combat. Weather patterns are being disrupted, resulting in everything from sudden cold snaps and heat waves to a shift in seasonal timelines. Once known for its distinct seasons, it seems like South Korea has split into two only: summer and winter. 

Experts have noted some flowers blooming earlier than usual due to warmer winters. However, the unexpected cold destroys the buds. In other regions, prolonged winters delay the blossoming altogether, creating a shockwave in our ecosystem. This unpredictability affects not only flowers, but all residents, from insects to animals.

Flower enthusiasts aren’t the only ones who should be concerned. Late bloomers signal deeper environmental consequences that affect us all. Pollinators like bees and butterflies rely on flower nectar as a vital source of nutrients, and when blooming patterns are disrupted, these species struggle to survive. Farmers are also affected, as many rely on predictable weather patterns to grow and harvest seasonal fruits. When flowering is delayed, crop yields are reduced, devastating food production and the economy. 

If this continues, late springs will be the new norm. This is nature’s cry for help– and unless we respond to that desperate plea, we can’t turn back. Spring will arrive eventually, but the signs are clear— our climate is changing, and the effects are blooming right before our eyes.