Share this on social media
Global heating is turning white Alps green, study finds
(The Guardian, 2 Jun 2022) Vegetated areas above treeline have increased by 77% since 1984, satellite data shows.
The impact of global heating on the Alps is visible from space, with the snow-white mountains increasingly colonised by green plants, according to a study of high-resolution satellite data.
Vegetated areas above the treeline in the Alps have increased by 77% since 1984, the study says. While retreating glaciers have symbolised the speed of global heating in the Alpine region, researchers described the increases in plant biomass as an “absolutely massive” change.
Rising temperatures and increased rainfall are prolonging the growing season, with plants colonising new areas, and becoming denser and taller. Snow cover is decreasing, and the scientists said losses of less than 10% of snow cover above the treeline were still significant.
External link
The Guardian, 2 Jun 2022: Global heating is turning white Alps green, study finds
