How climate change stole springtime

Budding magnolias in public parks, flowing willows along thawed canals and verdant sidewalks with fresh hedges - these are just some of the familiar signs of spring in Beijing.

For many residents of the increasingly built-up capital, the few spots of greenery are made more welcome after the long, harsh winters up here in the north.

But the seasonal growth this late April looks like a fraction of the urban foliage in past years.