Human-induced, novel seasons may be emerging on Earth, suggests research

In recent years, the world has witnessed a shift in the rhythm of seasons, with new anthropogenic seasons emerging and traditional seasons losing their predictability. This transformation is not just a change in the calendar, but a profound disruption that connects us deeply with nature and our future.

One such new season is the "haze season" in South-east Asia, a period marked by widespread burning of vegetation. Climate change, with its effects on rainfall patterns, has made dry seasons longer and rainy seasons shorter but more intense, leading to fires and further uncertainty for farmers in northern Thailand. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to fostering accountability and ensuring fair responses.

The term "arrhythmic seasons" has been coined to refer to abnormal rhythms in seasonal patterns, including earlier springs or breeding seasons, longer summers or growing seasons, and shorter winters or hibernating seasons. This phenomenon is not unique to South-east Asia. In northern England, the decline of seabird breeding seasons is having profound consequences for ecosystems and cultures.

Syncopated seasons are becoming more common, characterized by hotter summers, milder winters, and increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather. This is particularly evident in alpine regions, where climate change is making snow scarcer, affecting traditional winter sport seasons.

These changes are disrupting the interdependent life cycles of plants and animals, and the communities that are economically, socially, and culturally dependent on them. For instance, upstream dams in northern Thailand have disrupted the seasonal flow of rivers, blocking fish migration and preventing the accumulation of sediment needed for farming.

Public awareness of the "haze season" in South-east Asia has led to better forecasting, the installation of air filters in homes, and the establishment of public health initiatives to help communities adapt. However, some government agencies and private sector entities use the recognition of the "haze season" to minimize their responsibility and shift blame onto other parties such as neighboring countries or small-scale farmers.

Diverse perspectives, especially those from Indigenous knowledge systems, can enhance our ability to respond to environmental changes. Integrating alternative time-keeping methods into mainstream practices could foster fairer and more effective solutions to environmental problems.

It is essential to recognise these new seasons like the "haze season" to normalize their recurrence and isolate those demanding action against deforestation and burning. Climate change is a global issue, and it requires global cooperation to address. Let us work together to ensure seasons continue to be more than just divisions of time - they connect us with nature and are essential for building a sustainable future.