climate crisishas dramatically changed theAlps, so it is new to see the change from thespace. I know from research.
Over the 20th century, the Alpswarmed2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). This is twice the average warming in the Northern Hemisphere.
Currently, a research team led by Swiss scientists says 77% of the land above the tree line in the Alps (even if the altitude is too high for trees, some plants can still grow. I found that the place) has been green since then. Mid-1980s.
More plant growth may appear positive, which could lead to the expulsion of nativewildlifeby new species and habitat changes. I have.
"These alpine species are very well adapted to these harsh climatic conditions and this harsh environment."Environmental researcher and collaborator at the University of Basel. Sabine RumpfThe author toldTheIndependent.
Some of the barren areas have turned green, but changes in temperature and rainfall may have led to denser growth of existing plants and low-altitude species sneaking up. ..
Scientists could use satellite data to detect how much chlorophyll, a substance that helps plants green and photosynthesis, is in a particular location. Researchers used that information to measure plant growth in the Alps over the years.
Satellite image comparing Switzerland in 2020 (left) and 2004 (right). Data from the Swiss Federal Topography Bureau
High altitude alpine areas contain unique species and ecosystems that can be compromised as plant growth accelerates. For example, a flower with a simple group of white petals,Saxifraga paniculata, is receding and "very much on the loser side of things," Dr. Rumpf said.
She added that some special plants, such as those that grow in glacier-covered areas these days, can be lost under new conditions.
"These alpine experts are one of the important symbolic species of the European Alps," said Dr. Rumpf.
Theoretically, the growth of plants means that more carbon dioxide (CO2) is extracted from the atmosphere, which helps reduce the heating of the earth.
However, highland plants do not absorb as much CO2 as in rainforest-like areas, so their impact is limited, so don't hold your breath on its silver lining.
In addition to vegetation, researchers also examined snow cover. They found some snow loss, but it was not as widespread as the changes in plant development.
One reason could be the method of measuring snow cover. Dr. Rumpf said their satellite data can only provide information about the amount of snow-covered land, not the thickness of the snow-covered land.
Early studiesfound that the snow across the Alps has been thinning over the last 40 years.
In addition to rising temperatures, changes in rainfall and snowfall may have been caused by the climate crisis and may have affected plant growth and snow cover.
The exact method is unknown, but further warming could bring more changes to the Alps. Snow cover may continue to decline, but Dr. Rumpf says the "greening" they find can turn into "browning."
But no matter how it manifests, it is clear that the climate crisis is likely to change Europe's iconic central mountain range.
"Most people imagine the Alps, the beautiful nature of the Alps, and all those alpine flowers," says Dr. Lamphu.
"And if this process continues, we may lose this environment where these species and we actually connect many of our traditions."
