Dramatic shifts in climate leading to the formation of unprecedented seasons, according to scientific forecasts, may have far-reaching implications.
Climate Change Reshaping Seasons Worldwide: The Emergence of "Haze Seasons" in Southeast Asia
The Earth's seasons are undergoing a significant transformation due to human-induced climate change, with new seasonal patterns emerging and traditional seasons becoming less predictable. A study published in the journal Progress in Environmental Geography delves into this transformation, highlighting four distinct types of new seasons that are becoming increasingly prominent.
One such new season is the "haze seasons" that have become a predictable annual event in Southeast Asia. These seasons are characterised by recurrent air pollution caused by the burning of tropical peatlands. This shift is a stark example of the first category of new seasons, known as "emergent seasons," where entirely new seasonal patterns have developed in regions where such seasons did not exist before, caused by rapid shifts in temperature or weather conditions.
Haze seasons have led to significant public health concerns, with communities and governments in the region preparing for them much like any other season. Governments are working to improve air quality forecasting and create better air pollution control measures. In Indonesia, for instance, the widespread adoption of home air filtration systems has become common practice, while health agencies encourage citizens to stay indoors during the peak of haze season to avoid respiratory problems.
The second category of new seasons is "extinct seasons," traditional seasons that have either disappeared or are no longer recognizable due to climate shifts. For example, winters are becoming much milder or disappearing altogether.
Another type of new season is the "arrhythmic seasons," where seasons have been disrupted in terms of their timing and duration. In California, the wildfire season is becoming a year-round threat, with longer, hotter summers and increasingly dry conditions extending the fire season.
Lastly, "syncopated seasons" exhibit irregular fluctuations in intensity, marked by sudden and unpredictable extreme weather events like cold snaps in spring or unseasonably warm autumns.
As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, it's essential to adapt to these new seasonal patterns. In Southeast Asia, the rise of haze seasons has necessitated a reevaluation of disaster preparedness plans. Similarly, governments in California are reassessing their fire management strategies to accommodate the reality of year-round fire risks.
This shift in seasons is so profound that researchers argue our understanding of seasons might need a conceptual overhaul. As we navigate this changing climate, staying informed and prepared is key to ensuring the health and safety of our communities.
[1] The study published in the journal Progress in Environmental Geography is titled "New seasons: Four types of seasonal disruption in a changing climate."
[3] The study's findings on the emergence of haze seasons in Southeast Asia are based on research published in the journal Atmospheric Environment.
[5] Further insights on the emergence of new seasons and their impact on public health can be found in a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
- The emergence of haze seasons in Southeast Asia, characterized by recurrent air pollution from peatland fires, falls under the category of "emergent seasons" in the study titled "New seasons: Four types of seasonal disruption in a changing climate," published in the journal Progress in Environmental Geography.
- In light of the health concerns caused by haze seasons, governments in Southeast Asia are seeking effective ways to improve air quality forecasting and implement improved air pollution control measures, a clear indication of a new health-and-wellness focus in environmental-science research.
