It may be the end of the world, but it’s sure going to smell nice. As larger amounts of carbon dioxide are emitted into our atmosphere, plants will release higher levels of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) — the chemicals that create flowery fragrance.
Scientists say the warming world has already caused plants to emit more BVOCs. According to Professor Josep Penuelas of the Global Ecology Unit at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain:
“It may have increased already by 10% in the past 30 years and may increase 30 to 40% with the two to three degrees (Celsius) warming projected for the next decades.”
Penuelas went on to add that greater BVOC emissions could cause some complex consequences. Communication between plants could be altered, considering certain BVOCs are usually only released as a response to attacks from herbivores. More fragrant plants would also cause considerable confusion among bees and other pollinators, which could affect plant reproduction.
[Via: BBC]
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