Science Article #12

Climate change will make world more ‘fragrant'

Walker, M. “Climate change will make world more ‘fragrant’." BBC-Earth News. February 9, 2010. Retrieved February 12, 2010 From http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8503000/8503823.stm

Ever imagine what plant life was like millions of years ago when the climate was warmer? Scientists are getting closer to answers to those questions. The fact that more CO2 is lingering in the atmosphere, temperatures increase. It is this greenhouse effect that will affect plant life significantly. As temperature increases, the plants will emit a higher level of BVOS (biogenic volatile organic compound). Such increase will enable the planet Earth to be more fragrant. Biogenic Volatile Organic Compound serves as a communication technique with other plants as well as defense tactic against pest and herbivores.

According to the scientist leading this major scientific review, the world may have already becoming more fragrant. However, if the temperature increases even more, the emissions of BVOS will exponentially increase. It is important to monitor this because any changes to BVOS; the plants will undergo drastic changes. According to Professor Josep Penuelas, “The increased emissions will likely affect physiology and ecology, i.e. the function of life”.

Also, the warmer climate will increase vegetation in other parts of the world, especially the in the high latitudes where permafrost dominates the terrain. Even though study shows that plant life will be altered and emit higher levels of BVOS, its consequences are still unknown.