Other Issues In the News

Georgia’s landscape and that of the country is undergoing major changes that could result in the extinction of flowers and trees if global warming isn’t thwarted, according to a new report released by the National Wildlife Federation and several other organizations. In fact, they estimate that 35 state flowers and trees could disappear if things don’t change.

The report was released on May 17 on the patio of the greenhouse at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center by representatives of Environment Georgia, National Wildlife Federation, The Garden Club of Georgia and the DeKalb Federation of Garden Clubs.

“This spring Georgians should stop and smell the roses because global warming will wreak havoc on our gardens, our trees and our flowers,” said Jennette Gayer, policy advocate for Environment Georgia.

The group predicts that many state flowers and trees, such as Georgia’s state tree, the live oak, the buckeye tree in Ohio and the magnolia in Mississippi, are threatened due to global warming and could face extinction if the climatic changes trend continues. They say what the Earth is experiencing now is the result of people putting out “tremendous” amounts of carbon dioxide and other “heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by burning coal, oil, and natural gas in power plants, motor vehicles, homes, and factories.” The buildup of gases cause a fast increase in the planet’s average temperature.

The report notes:

• A projection that the Earth’s average temperature will rise by four to 11 degrees before the end of the century “if our dependency on fossil fuels continues”

• Hardiness zones are being adjusted to account for the impact of global warming and that the Arbor Day Foundation has moved central Georgia into a warmer zone that includes Florida

• The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen to a greater level than ever.

Environment Georgia and NWF are calling for passage of federal legislation to require that 20 percent of the nation’s electricity come from clean renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar powers. A bill introduced by Reps. Tom Udall of New Mexico and Todd Platts of Pennsylvania and cosponsored by Hank Johnson, representative of

Georgia’s 4th District, would require just that.

“We must act now,” said Sue Sturges, National Wildlife Federation’s manager of regional education programs. “It’s urgent we act now.”

Gardeners are likely to notice the effects of climatic changes in their gardens and on wildlife. They explained that wildlife is dependent on plants and flowers for food and when growing patterns shift, the survival of young animals may be in jeopardy. Warmer temperatures also mean more bugs and disease, they said.

Noting the formidable force of gardeners (91 million U.S. households have participated in lawn and garden activities, according to the report), the organizations’ leadership recommends that gardeners take steps to lessen their impact on the environment.

The following are some of their recommendations:

• Improve energy efficiency by replacing regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs

• Reduce the use of gasoline-powered yard tools

• Reduce the threat of invasive species expansion

• Incorporate diversity of native plants in landscape

• Reduce water consumption

• Compost kitchen and garden waste

• Develop a rain garden

• Contact elected officials

Rachel Fowler, co-director of the DeKalb Federation of Garden Clubs, said she’s observed several climate-related changes in her own garden such as the early blooming of daffodils and the early arrival of hummingbirds.

For more information on the report, The Gardener’s Guide to Global Warming/Challenges and Solutions, visit www.nwf.org/gardenersguide/Gardeners_Guide.pdf