As green patch spreads in Antarctica, here’s what is worrying scientists

As green patch spreads in Antarctica, here’s what is worrying scientists

Sub: Env

Sec: Climate change

Context:

• Plant cover on the Antarctic Peninsula, a mountainous extension of Antarctica, has increased more than 10 times in recent decades due to rising temperatures.
• The study, Sustained greening of the Antarctic Peninsula observed from satellites, published in Nature Geoscience, shows a dramatic transformation.

How Fast is Antarctica Warming?

• Warming Rate:
  • Antarctica is warming twice as fast as the global average (0.22-0.32°C per decade).
  • The Antarctic Peninsula is warming five times faster than the global average.
  • Since 1950, the Antarctic Peninsula has warmed by almost 3°C.
• Record Heat:
  • The continent has experienced record-breaking heatwaves, particularly during its winter (northern hemisphere summer).
  • In July 2024, ground temperatures were 10°C higher than normal and up to 28°C higher on certain days.
  • In March 2022, East Antarctica experienced an extreme heatwave with temperatures 39°C above normal.

Key Findings of the Study

• Vegetation Growth:
  • Satellite data shows a 14-fold increase in vegetation on the Antarctic Peninsula between 1986 and 2021.
  • Plant cover (mainly mosses and lichens) expanded from less than 1 sq km to almost 12 sq km in 35 years.
  • The rate of greening has accelerated by more than 30% between 2016 and 2021.
  • Researchers attribute this rapid transformation to anthropogenic climate change.
• Sea Ice Reduction:
  • The extent of sea ice is rapidly decreasing. In 2024, it was the second smallest on record, only slightly higher than the record low in 2023.
  • Warmer open seas are likely creating wetter conditions that support plant growth.

Concerns About Increased Vegetation in Antarctica:

• Invasive Species Risk:
  • Mosses can create soils, making the continent more vulnerable to invasive species, which could threaten native flora and fauna.
  • Human visitors (eco-tourists, scientists) could unintentionally introduce non-native species.
• Impact on Sunlight Reflection:
  • Increased plant cover could reduce Antarctica’s ability to reflect sunlight (albedo effect), leading to more heat absorption and further warming.
• Ice Loss and Sea Level Rise:
  • Antarctica has lost 280% more ice in the 2000s and 2010s compared to the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Rising temperatures will accelerate ice loss, contributing to global sea level rise.
• Future Outlook:
  • As greenhouse gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere, warming will persist, and vegetation in Antarctica is expected to increase further.

Source: IE