Why is it in the news?
- A new study shows that plant cover on the Antarctic Peninsula has increased more than tenfold in recent decades due to rising temperatures.
- Researchers from the universities of Exeter, Hertfordshire, and the British Antarctic Survey observed this change using satellite data.
- The study, published in Nature Geoscience, highlights the significant impact of climate change on the region, marking the beginning of a dramatic transformation.
More about the news
- Antarctica is warming at twice the global rate, between 0.22°C and 0.32°C per decade, compared to the global average of 0.14-0.18°C. The Antarctic Peninsula is experiencing even more dramatic warming, now nearly 3°C warmer than it was in 1950.
- Extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent, with July 2024 recording temperatures 28°C higher than normal, and a March 2022 heatwave saw temperatures soar 39°C above average.
- Satellite data shows that vegetation, mainly mosses and lichen, has expanded 14 times on the Antarctic Peninsula over 35 years, from less than 1 square km in 1986 to nearly 12 square km by 2021.
- The greening rate surged by over 30% between 2016 and 2021, demonstrating the significant effects of climate change on even the most remote regions.
- In addition to increased plant cover, warming temperatures have caused a sharp decline in sea ice, with 2024 recording the second-lowest extent of sea ice on record. Warmer seas may be creating wetter conditions, accelerating the spread of vegetation.
- However, this expansion of plant life poses risks. It could lead to the introduction of invasive species, threatening native ecosystems. Moreover, increased vegetation could reduce the Antarctic Peninsula’s ability to reflect sunlight, further warming the ground and worsening local and global climate impacts.
Conclusion
- Antarctica is losing ice rapidly, with ice loss increasing by 280% in the 2000s and 2010s compared to previous decades. Rising temperatures are expected to accelerate this ice loss, contributing to global sea-level rise.
- As greenhouse gas emissions continue to accumulate, the greening of Antarctica is projected to intensify, with serious environmental consequences globally.
