Cherry blossoms are a symbol of beauty, hope, and renewal. Each spring, people around the world flock to witness the stunning display of delicate pink or white petals that adorn the branches of ornamental cherry trees. It’s a time for celebration, reflection, and appreciation for the natural world. However, for some, the sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom is a cause for dread. In this article, we will explore the darker side of cherry blossoms and the impact they can have on individuals who suffer from allergies, anxiety, and trauma. While the beauty of the cherry blossom is undeniable, it’s important to acknowledge and understand the challenges that some people may face during this season.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued another warning that the window of opportunity to secure a sustainable future for all is rapidly closing. This comes on the back of the highest temperature rise in 2,000 years over the last 50 years and carbon dioxide concentrations that have not been seen in at least two million years. In Japan, where cherry blossoms herald the arrival of the spring with its famous hanami parties, the bloom has started earlier and earlier each year, with the 2021 cherry blossom season being another record early start to the season. The warm weather triggering the earlier blossoms, while aesthetically pleasing, creates a worrying trend reflective of the impact of climate change.
In contrast, in Washington DC where milder temperatures have encouraged an early bloom, the temperature-sensitive trees have not faired well, as cold snaps in recent days have exposed them resulting in brown-tinged blossoms. The future impact of climate change is not going to be renowned for its prettiness, and the effects are becoming increasingly more visible.
In other news, UK broadcaster ITV has revealed that it incurred costs amounting to £16m relating to the death of Queen Elizabeth II last September (equivalent to €18.1m). Exceptional costs related to news coverage of the monarch’s death and her funeral accounted for £7m. In addition, ITV faced £9m write-off expenses, which related to scrapping unaired episodes of the revived puppet sketch show Spitting Image featuring the Queen. ITV said they “could not be effectively edited” and it was “highly unlikely” they would ever be screened.
In celebrity news, Rupert Murdoch, aged 92, is engaged for the fifth time, this time to Ann Lesley Smith, aged 66. Smith is a widow and had earlier accompanied Murdoch to the Super Bowl. The couple met last September at an event held in Murdoch’s Moraga vineyard in Bel Air, California, and they intend to marry this summer, splitting their time between California, Britain, New York, and his ranch in Montana. Commenting on their engagement, which some perceive as a business move, Smith told the New York Post, “I speak Rupert’s language. We share the same beliefs”.
In Credit Suisse’s 167-year history, there are many fans of the Swiss banking institution, and since UBS’s government-brokered takeover, memorabilia from the bank has recently flooded Swiss online marketplaces. The memorabilia includes bars of gold and silver stamped with the Credit Suisse name; red-and-blue woolly ski hats, a Swiss tradition; a bright red and blue sports bag, perfect for transporting large sums of cash, and watches.
In conclusion, the impact of climate change is becoming more noticeable, with cherry blossom blooms starting earlier than ever before in Japan and the US. ITV costs relating to Queen Elizabeth II’s death have been released, and Rupert Murdoch is engaged for the fifth time, which has caused some interest. Credit Suisse’s memorabilia is also a popular online attraction. All of these items have their exciting experiences, devastating impacts, or business strategies behind their popularity, nevertheless, they are all a product of humanity’s evolving existence, highlighting the importance of creating a sustainable future for all.
