Phenology is the scientific analysis of the relationship between cyclic events in biology -- say, flowering in plants -- and changes in climate. It offers hope of making the current debate on global warming one with more light and less heat.Today, the European Phenology Network (EPN) - a network to increase the use of phenological data and to stimulate monitoring and research in Europe within the context of climate change - will officially be launched during the first project meeting at Wageningen University, the Netherlands.
The EPN project has been funded for three years (2001-2003) by the European Commission and involves thirteen partners from several European countries.
In recent decades, observations have shown significant changes in phenology of plants, birds, insects and amphibians caused by the observed change in climate. These changes impact natural systems via changes in growing season length, competition and food availability.
They also affect agriculture via changes in frost damage, quality of crops and the timing/distribution of pests and diseases. Last but not least, human health is affected via changes in the pollen season start (hay fever), and the distribution of pests and diseases.
EPN will provide an intellectual infrastructure to deal with the many issues and organizations involved. Thereby, EPN will stimulate the involvement of the general public in monitoring activities, with a focus to involve students 12-18 years of age in scientific research.
EPN aims to improve monitoring, assessment and prediction of climate- induced phenological changes and their effects in Europe. Its overall objective is to increase the efficiency, added value and use of phenological monitoring, phenological research and the practical use of phenological data in Europe in the context of global climate change.
The network seeks to facilitate integration and cooperation among existing phenological monitoring networks and to actively stimulate expansion of existing and creation of new networks.
It will also try to improve the integration of, and access to, phenological data in Europe in a systematic, structural and user-friendly way. It further aims to exchange knowledge among phenologists of different scientific disciplines (ecology, agriculture, human health) on tools and techniques used for phenological monitoring and impact assessment.
The network will also try to demonstrate the wide variety of possible applications of phenological research results and its benefits for ecology, agriculture and society.
Related website:
European Phenology Network
[Contact: Arnold J.H. van Vliet]
01-Mar-2001
