4 minutes
A global contest is using citizen scientists to determine the best day to view cherry blossoms in Vancouver. The contest, now in its third year, aims to find the perfect day by analyzing data collected by participants. According to Dr. Elizabeth Wolkovich from UBC, cherry blossom seasons have been starting earlier and earlier over the past four decades due to climate change. The timing of cherry blossoms can also indicate when other early trees leaf out, which affects carbon absorption in forests and can inform predictions of climate change. The contest is open to anyone worldwide and requires participants to build predictive models for five cherry blossom locations: Vancouver, Washington D.C., New York City, Kyoto, and Liestal-Weideli in Switzerland. Predictions must be submitted by February 29th, and winners receive $5,000.
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