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A Greener Antarctica Isn't Always A Good Thing

As climate change persists, the continent might have a lot more plant life.

By: Sarah Schlieder

Posted at 2:39 PM, May 18, 2017

and last updated 2017-05-18 14:39:12-04

Antarctica is "going green" — but not in a good way.

The continent is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth. Annual temperatures have increased about a half-degree Celsius per decade since the 1950s.

And scientists studying moss in the region found that warming temperatures are driving a sharp, widespread increase in plant life during the past 50 years.

The same research team conducted a similar study in 2013 in just one location on the Antarctic Peninsula. Their new findings confirm widespread ecological changes on the continent.

If temperatures continue to rise and Antarctic ice melt accelerates, the region might be a much greener place in the near future.