Antarctic plant cover increases tenfold as climate change impacts remote ecosystem

Plant cover in Antarctica has increased more than tenfold over recent decades, according to satellite data. In 1986, there was less than one square kilometer of vegetation, but by 2021, it grew to nearly 12 square kilometers, primarily mosses. The growth has accelerated since 2016, coinciding with a decrease in sea ice. This change indicates that global warming is impacting even the most remote regions, raising concerns about the potential for invasive species to establish themselves in the fragile ecosystem. Researchers note that the increase in plant life could enhance soil formation, but it also poses risks of non-native species arriving through human activity. The findings highlight significant ecological changes in Antarctica due to climate change.