Forty years ago, vegetation on the Antarctic Peninsula was extremely limited due to harsh climatic conditions. The region was dominated by ice, snow, and low temperatures, making it uninhabitable for most plant species. A new study shows that the vegetation cover of the Antarctic Peninsula has increased more than tenfold compared to 40 years ago. So what’s behind this burst of green in one of the world’s whitest landscapes?

Landscape of Antarctica

The study, carried out by researchers from the University of Exeter, the University of Hertfordshire and the British Antarctic Survey, used satellite data to analyze how climate change is causing the ‘greening’ of the Antarctic Peninsula. The findings show that the region’s vegetation increased from less than one square kilometer in 1986 to nearly 12 square kilometers by 2021.

“There have been significant temperature increases in Antarctica over the past 60 years, with warming rates highest in the West Antarctic and Antarctic Peninsula (AP) regions and occurring much faster than average global warming,” the researchers write.

Accelerating greening of Antarctica

The report provides more information about this landscaping trend. Not only is it growing, it is accelerating, growth has been 30% in the last five years compared to the original study period. During this period, we are talking about an additional 400,000 square meters of greening every year.

The satellite’s findings mirror previous studies. Core samples taken from moss-covered ecosystems on the peninsula told a similar story; plant growth rates had increased rapidly recently.

How is Antarctica getting greener?

How do plants find a way to thrive in such harsh environments? “The plants (mostly mosses) we find on the Antarctic Peninsula grow in perhaps the harshest conditions on Earth,” said Dr Thomas Roland from the University of Exeter.

“The landscape still consists almost entirely of snow, ice and rock, and only a very small portion is colonized by plant life. But this small portion has grown dramatically, suggesting that even this large and isolated ‘wilderness’ is being affected by anthropogenic climate change.”

What’s the future of the peninsula?

While the invasion of green may seem like a victory for biodiversity, it may not be all rainbows and butterflies, or in this case moss and algae. Dr Ollie Bartlett of the University of Hertfordshire warns that as these ecosystems grow and the climate continues to warm, alien species could spoil the party.

These unwanted guests may travel to the peninsula along with ecotourists, scientists or other visitors, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.

Ecosystem dynamics in a greener environment

The bloom of vegetation on the Antarctic Peninsula is causing significant changes in the dynamics of the local ecosystem. As these mosses and other vegetation expand their presence, they invest in new biological interactions with existing species, creating a mini-ecosystem in what was once considered a barren wasteland.