Shortage of Flowers Due to Climate Change

For those unfamiliar with this phenomenon, climate change is a drastic change in earth’s climate and seasons pattern due to an increasingly alarming level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere caused by various carbon footprints produced through human’s daily life activities worldwide. As it is impacting the planet, climate change is a global issue that will eventually impact the lives of everyone, wherever and whoever you are.

Photograph taken by Sasha Mus, 2021.

Vogue US reported that the flower market in Los Angeles has been experiencing flower shortages this year and they have learned the real damage caused by climate change in their businesses.

These flower wholesalers in the Los Angeles Flower District shared the negative experience brought by extreme changes in floral season patterns. Obviously, flowers are harvested from plants that grow according to specific and supporting climate conditions. These fragile flowers require cautious human care, and the quality of flowers are mainly determined by its natural climate condition, such as the weather.

On top of the pandemic that has destabilised the market these past two years, climate change is now recognised by flower businesses as a real threat. It is now acknowledged as a factor greater than just “strange weather”. It has the power to destroy the global flower crops and bring chaos to the entire industry that may eventually disrupt the market growth.

For instance, the shortage of hydrangea, a very highly demanded flower around the world, including Singapore, started from its biggest import source in Colombia. Failed harvest was caused by a sudden drop in temperature and hail storms that caused damage to almost all of the country’s crops. Roses, the most demanded flower in Singapore according to Mordor Intelligence, have also been reported to rot faster than usual due to the cold and damp conditions in Mexico.

What is experienced by flower businesses in the United States must be taken into account by flower businesses in other parts of the world. It is a phenomenon that will eventually impact other countries like Singapore who import the majority of its flowers.

Davidson highlighted that the global flower industry is “not so rosy” as the industry’s rapid and episodic nature intensified the sector’s contribution to carbon dioxide production from its massive carbon footprints.

These footprints are traceable through the refrigerated air freight that transported flowers throughout its global chain as well as the logistic vehicles that carry flowers to wholesalers and florists in local areas while producing CO2 emissions straight to the atmosphere. Hence, continuously making issues related to climate change more intense by the day.

Therefore, “It is time for the global flower industry to start talking about what we are going to change to live in harmony with on our planet”.

Gersain Bustos, The owner of Growers Direct Flower.

There are various actions that can be taken to create a positive impact if done collectively together. First, educate yourself about climate change and sustainable living. It is important to differentiate between ethical and unethical business practices. Second, find out where your flowers come from, the nearer means less carbon footprint produced.

Third, check where your money goes, remember, local flower markets would benefit your community. Fourth, when making or buying flower arrangements, opt for sustainable alternatives. The alternative with least non-biodegradable waste is always the better option.

Lastly, if you’re a customer who buys flowers religiously, remember that business supplies what you demand.

So ask your florist for eco-conscious information to send a signal to the producers and wholesalers that there is a demand for earth-friendly business practice in the flower industry.

A Wildflower,

Sasha Mus