The European Alps, a famous mountain range with a crescent-shaped shape, are associated with images of snow-covered villages and wintry peaks. New research shows that the Alps are changing from being white to green, confirming a worrying trend in winter sports destinations.
Researchers have published a study in Science that shows “greening” has been observed over large swathes of the Alps. This term can be used to describe making a space more eco-friendly, but in this instance it refers to an increase of plant growth and spread that could accelerate climate change.
Although greening may have some positive effects, there are more negative ones than these, according to Sabine Rumpf (first author of the study and professor at the University of Basel, Switzerland).
This phenomenon occurs in 77 percent of European Alps above tree line, which is the border of alpine habitats that stop trees from growing. This was only 56 percent according to an earlier estimate.
Rumpf and her coworkers also discovered that the snow cover in 10% of the Alps has decreased significantly. These numbers are based upon an analysis of 38 years worth of data. The Landsat Missions are a group consisting of eight satellites orbiting the Earth that collect data remotely. The team used these data to calculate the spread and productivity of vegetation, instead of simply looking at photographs.
Although 10 percent might seem small, it has the potential to have a significant impact. Snow is vital for humans as a water source. The Alps, Europe’s highest and longest mountain range, are located in central Europe. This area is responsible for 40% of Europe’s water supply. Rumpf stated that the Alps are the “water towers of Europe” because of this.
She explained that a reduction in snow doesn’t necessarily mean that there will be less water tomorrow but it does indicate a worrying long-term trend.
Rumpf stated that one problem with climate change is that most people know about it, but the consequences of their actions are not immediately apparent.
She said, “We hear about it and we see numbers but these facts can be felt removed.” “I hope that these striking effects, which can be seen from space now — may be easier to grasp than findings regarding how much carbon dioxide is in the atmosphere.”
Carbon dioxide definitely plays a role. The global average is warming twice as fast in mountain regions which are rich in biodiversity. The cycle continues forward because of the warming and subsequent greening. Alpine plants and animals can be at greater risk if taller or denser vegetation is found in places where it’s not the norm. This could also lead to the release of greenhouse gases from the melting permafrost.
Greening can prevent snow from falling, and less snow can reduce an area’s ability reflect solar radiation — the energy that comes to Earth from the Sun. Global warming is caused by the inability to reflect this energy.
Rumpf stated that snow reflects approximately 90 percent of the energy back. “We retain more energy when we have less snow.”
Alexander Winkler is a postdoctoral researcher from the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry. He also studies how climate change impacts vegetation. His research has shown that browning is also a part of greening. This is when plants die. Greening in the Arctic is well-established beyond the Alps. Experts believe this should be considered a sign of global climate change.
He said that although the vegetation trends are well-known in the scientific community, they are still a very under-appreciated phenomenon among the general public.
Winkler is often asked by people to talk about greening to address carbon dioxide emissions and human-caused global warming.
He said that it was not necessary. Although plants can store and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, this can be a powerful tool to combat climate change. However, there are other serious costs.
Rumpf also agrees. Rumpf agreed. It is recycled and enters the system once again. It isn’t really gone.”
Because of their smaller size, Alpine plants also have a smaller role in carbon dioxide absorption.
Rumpf stated that while there are some efforts to protect biodiversity in the Alps and they are making progress, more action is required to reverse this trend. Over the next 10-30 years, global changes in precipitation due to climate change will lead to a reduction in snow cover of up to 25% in the Alps.
