Sustainability Momentum Sdn Bhd

Photo Credit: Click Green

According to WWF Japan, two of the nation’s natural icons, cherry trees and ancient beech forests are currently threatened by climate change. Local temperatures have already exceeded the global average and are estimated to rise by around 5°C in the future. Climate change is projected to decrease 80% of the Shirakami Mountain beech forests in northern Japan by the end of the century. Cherry blossoms are also predicted to flower 14 days earlier than usual. If the effects of climate change cannot be halted or minimized, the Japanese may lose their beech forests which are seen as a generational treasure. The ‘symbol’ of cherry blossoms may even change to signify ‘the end’ rather than ‘a new beginning’.