Exploring Harmony in California's Vibrant Wildflower Explosion, Known as the Superbloom
California's Historic Superbloom: A Symphony of Resilience and Concern
California has witnessed a remarkable spectacle this year, with over 30 atmospheric rivers, or rivers in the sky, sweeping across the state. This deluge of water has filled barren lakes and rivers, reviving fish populations and benefiting native plant species (1, 4). The result? A California superbloom, the first since 2019, and a sight to behold (12).
However, the joy of this natural spectacle is tempered by a deep-rooted understanding of its underlying causes and consequences. This sentiment, known as "blissonance," encapsulates the experience of enjoying a beautiful natural event while acknowledging its negative impact due to urbanization, climate change, or other factors (2).
Local farmer Melissa Parks has firsthand experience of the superbloom's mixed blessings. Despite losing her crops to the storms, she remains optimistic about the future (3). Meanwhile, ecologist Joan Dudney finds it challenging to fully appreciate the superbloom, given the expectation of more severe drought and flooding events in the future (15).
The conditions that give rise to a superbloom are unique. They require several dry years followed by an extremely wet year, creating the perfect recipe of light, moisture, temperature, and time (6). This year's superbloom is a testament to this delicate balance, but experts warn that California's extreme ecology is being exacerbated by climate change (13).
Climate change has brought about a phenomenon known as "climate whiplash," a stark contrast between extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods (13). Alicia Escott, a climate activist, artist, and California native, has been inspired by these extreme events to create a lexicon of climate-related terms (5). Her work includes cultivating wildflowers and exploring feelings of fear, grief, and hope through her art (10, 11).
Escott is not alone in her efforts. She and Heidi Quante have created over a thousand terms to better encapsulate these complex emotions, including "gwilt" and "quieseed" (7). Climate psychologist Leslie Davenport emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and making room for all nuanced emotions related to climate change (8).
Davenport often returns to the Buddhist saying, "When you open your heart, you get life's 10,000 sorrows and 10,000 joys." This sentiment seems particularly apt in the context of California's superbloom, a testament to the resilience of the land, even in the face of environmental challenges (9).
Yet, the superbloom comes at a cost. The historic amount of snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains is beginning to melt, causing devastating flooding in homes and farms (14). Cristina Gonzales, a member of the Tachi-Yokut tribe, believes the floods are the Earth's way of bringing things back into balance, specifically referring to the revival of the Tulare lake (16).
In the face of these challenges, Escott believes that language and art are just as important as science-backed solutions in saving our planet. Her art serves as a reminder of the resilience of some parts of the land, even in the face of environmental ruin (17). As California continues to navigate the complexities of its superbloom, these reminders of hope and resilience serve as a beacon of light in the face of adversity.
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