中外合作研究发现：万家灯火或悄然改变城市植被生长季长度

Core Findings - A recent study indicates that urban nighttime lighting significantly extends the growing season of vegetation in cities compared to rural areas, with an extension of up to three weeks [1][3] - The research, led by scholars from Wuhan University and Vanderbilt University, highlights that the impact of nighttime lighting on vegetation growth is greater than that of urban heat island effects [1][4] Urbanization and Vegetation Growth - The study analyzed satellite data from 428 cities in the Northern Hemisphere over seven years, revealing that urban nighttime light intensity has increased by an average of 10% over the past decade [1][3] - Vegetation in urban areas tends to sprout and bloom earlier and change color later in the fall compared to rural areas, with the average start date of the growing season in cities being 12.6 days earlier and the end date 11.2 days later than in surrounding rural regions [3][4] Regional Differences - The study found variations in the growing season patterns across continents, with Europe experiencing the earliest start to the growing season, followed by Asia and North America [4] - The influence of nighttime lighting on the start of the growing season is stronger in temperate climates with dry summers and cold climates without dry seasons, while the impact on the end of the growing season is more consistent across cities [4] Future Considerations - The transition from high-pressure sodium lamps to LED lighting in many cities complicates the effects of nighttime lighting on vegetation growth, as plants may respond differently to LED illumination [4] - The researchers emphasize the need to consider both urban heat island effects and nighttime lighting when assessing the impact of urbanization on vegetation ecosystems [4]