Is climate change altering humans’ vacation plans?

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/4955/74/

Is climate change altering humans’ vacation plans?

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Plants’ and animals’ seasonal cycles, such as flowering dates and migration patterns, have shifted in recent decades due to climate change.

…

According to the study recently published in the International Journal of Biometeorology, of the nine parks that experienced significant increases in mean spring temperatures since 1979, seven also saw shifts in the timing of peak attendance. For example, peak attendance at Grand Canyon National Park shifted from July 4 in 1979 to June 24 in 2008. Over the same period of time at Mesa Verde National Park, peak attendance changed from July 10 to July 1. The average shift was four days.

In contrast, of the 18 parks without significant temperature changes, only three exhibited attendance shifts.

“While the public continues to debate whether global warming is real, it appears that they are already adjusting their behavior,” said Lauren Buckley, Ph.D., an assistant biology professor in the College of Arts and Sciences. “Visiting parks earlier may not be a big deal, but it may serve as a bellwether for more severe human adjustments required to cope with climate change.”

…

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00484-011-0508-4

[guardian]

1. Yeah

Today's sub-zero weather has me thinking it's time for a few days in the Riviera Maya. I need a little warming.

[OKIsItJustMe]

2. Is this a change for you?

i.e. is December 6th usually warmer?