The effects of climate change are ubiquitous, and this year it is even impacting the availability of mistletoe. Droughts, one of the corollaries of global warming, is behind the shortage. The small parasitic plant grows on trees in humid climates in Europe and the US. Because of dry conditions in the southern US, and Texas in particular, most of this years crop comes from Europe.
The mistletoe that is available from the US looks anemic and is very expensive. Stores have had an extremely difficult time trying to find Christmas plant, as it is a scarce commodity this year.
Climate change will have widespread impacts and the shortage of mistletoe is yet further evidence. Even deniers are forced to admit that global warming is real as the longtime holiday tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is being withered by drought.
© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
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